ScuttlePuck NHL Hockey Podcast

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are here and we breakdown the first round series and make our predictions right through to the Stanley Cup Champion.  We also have a look at our preseason predictions and review the final points leaders.  Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Al Secord Feedback - thanks to all for playing - getting lots of responses  News Season over and matchups set.  Habs make it in on last night  Panarin - Rangers paid out employee after sex assoult allegations Ovechkin says he will play next year - final year of contract Points Leaders  Overall  Kucherov 37 84 121   MacKinnon 32 84 116  Draisaitl 52 54 106 McDavid gets 8th 100 point season - tied with Dionne for 3rd most    Defence Makar 30 62 92 Werenski 23 59 82  Hughes 16 60 76    Rookies Hutson 6 60 66 Michkov 26 37 63 Celebrini 25 38 63 Hutson wins Calder?    Goalies  Stolarz .926  Hellebuyck .925  Kuemper .922    Guess the 5th  Regular Season predictions review Connections LAST WEEK  - Brady Tkachuk, Rasmus Ristolainen, Jeff Skinner, Rasmus Dahlin THIS WEEK  - Dineen, Lowry, Patrick, Brind'amour   Brackets  WPG v STL  Closer than you might think  Hellebuyck + Higher end Scoring give Jets edge  DAL v COL Tough series to call COL higher top end with Makar and MacKinnon  DAL better goaltending  VGK v MIN Not close - VGK better in all dept except goaltending Is Gustavsson that much better than Hill?    LAK v EDM EDM limping in - no Ekholm for 1st rnd LAK have big edge in net    TOR v OTT another one closer than might think TOR not strong by fancy stats OTT a bit better by xGF Goaltending even if Ullmark healthy Offence edge goes to TO    TBL v FLA Overall game play FLA much better SH% and SV% TBL has edge   WSH v MTL Fancy Stats WSH much better WSH has edge in SH% and SV%    CAR v NJD  Fancy stats not close - CAR best in NHL Goaltending for both teams not good. NJD has slight edge   CRAZY PREDICTION FOR PLAYOFFS Make one off the wall prediction    Crazy Stat

The Masters was just too good not to talk about it so we brought in Golf Pro Jonathan Gee to discuss Rory's amazing win and the incredible last round of this year's Masters. We then discussed all the latest hockey news including Rogers' new TV deal and what it will cost to go to Leafs playoff games. Plus we have a guess at this year's trophy races. Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Sylvain Turgeon #2 in 1983 Draft -  1 - Lawton 2 - Turgeon 3 - Lafontaine 4 - Yzerman 5 - Barrasso Feedback - Atish email - Crosby 2nd greatest of all time / 4 on 4  / Leonard - get well soon News -  Masters - Jon Gee Rose - 10 birdies McIroy - 1 over - 2 double bogeys, 3 bogeys on round including last hole Rogers contract -  12 years, $11 Billion  Current deal expires after 2025-26 - was 12 years, $5.2 Billion word was they were losing money - how does this make sense? Rogers reported 50% increase in viewership Still some blackouts but up to 10 more games per team can be made national instead of regional No deal yet with CBC - Bettman seemed to suggest Rogers will get a deal Same old same old?   Leafs playoff ticket prices - $29,000 for 16 games.   $1,460 per seat for 4th round.  1 4th round game - approx ticket revenue $24 million.     Ray Shero died Wednesday Landeskog back playing in AHL after 3 years - uncertain about playoffs for Avs Ekholm, McDavid returned this week but Ekholm left game. Hyman left game as well. Oilers current injuries - Draisaitl, Ekholm, Kane, Frederic, Nuge, Walman, Klingberg, Hyman, Skinner Pickard doing his best, but Bowman made big mistake not addressing goaltending   Leafs Top spot in Atlantic  - Battle of Ontario looking likely.    Guess the 5th    Playoffs  Bruins fully embraced the tank - since deadline are 3-12  Last in East, 29th in NHL.  Teams don't tank though. Blues win streak ends at 12 - loss to Jets and Oilers West Not quite over Wildcard  Wild, 93 - 2 G left Blues 93 - 2 G left Flames 90 - 3 G left East It's over Wildcard Ottawa 92 - 3G Left Montreal 87 - 3G Left Columbus 81 - 4G left Rangers 81 - 3G left Detroit 81 - 3G left  Trophy Races Rocket Richard - Draisaitl 52 G Art Ross - MacKinnon, Kucherov - 116 Pts Norris - Makar - who else? Hart - MacKinnon, Hellebuyck, Draisaitl? Vezina - Hellebuyck -  Adams - Spencer Carbery, Jim Montgomery, Scott Arniel   Connections  Last Week - Bobby Hull, Rick Ley, JC Tremblay, Richard Brodeur  Guesses - Jim Stecker - WHA Hall of Fame, Drew - same, Jon Gee - all players have their numbers retired by their teams (he mistook Martin Brodeur for Richard) This week - Brady Tkachuk, Rasmus Ristolainen, Jeff Skinner, Rasmus Dahlin   Streakin' - nothing more than 2 games     Jon Gee Crazy Stat - Tiger woods Scheffler #1 - 73 weeks To catch Tiger has to remain at top until Oct 21, 2035  Tiger was #1 for 683 weeks total Longest streak - 281 - June 12 2005 - Oct 30, 2010

Much to Mike's chagrin, Alexander Ovechkin becomes the NHL's all time goal scoring leader  with a truly astounding 895 goals!   We also look at the Oilers and Leafs as they get ready for the playoffs. Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Dion Phaneuf  News Ovi breaks the goal record. Oilers win two but Draisaitl goes down again - suggestions of load management for Oilers -  Leafs - may fans oddly optimistic How about them Blues? 12 game winning streak has them solidly in playoffs Nov 24 Blues fired Drew Bannister and brought in Jim Montgomery - Jack Adams? Before coaching change: CF% / SF% 48%. / GF% 41%.  SV% 89.7% SH% 7.77% After coaching change: CF%/SF% 49-50% / GF% 60%. SV% 92.84%. SH%10.54%  Is that coaching?   Up to coach change, Binnington was 89.4 SV% 2.91 GAA after 92.6% SV% 1.95 GAA Guess the 5th Playoff races -  West -  Wild 89 GR 5 Flames 84 GR 7 East Canadiens 81 GR 7 Rangers 79 GR 7 Blue Jackets 77 GR 8 Red Wings 77 GR 7  Everything else pretty much decided.  Season ends Sat April 17 Connections -  Last Week - This week - Linus Ullmark, Tristen Jarry, Philip Gustavsson, Alex Nedeljkovic   Correct Answers - Atish Singh, Cameron Miller, Jim Stecker (our other judge listener) Jim has been to Casa Bonita - any others? This week - Bobby Hull, Rick Ley, JC Tremblay, Richard Brodeur  Crazy Stat - From Jim Stecker - Yankees scored 3 home runs on first 3 pitches of game on March 29 DOPeS - nothing 

With several key players out heading to the playoffs, including McDavid and Draisaitl, Mike is concerned about the Oilers prospects.  John Tortarella gets fired by the Flyers, which isn't a huge surprise, but why now? Plus we have a look at the playoff picture as the matchups start to come into focus.  Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player- Johnny Bucyk - 493 PIM  News Oilers Injuries - McDavid, Draisaitl, Skinner, Ekholm, Kane, Frederic - Are they screwed for playoffs if they make it?  6 points up on Vancouver 5-4-1 in last 10 - can they hold on?  Draisaitl played last night - 3 points, 2 G including 50 and 51 Only active player with 4 seasons with 50 G and 50A in same season Tortarella - fired in Philly - 2-7-1 in last 10 - 9 games left in season - why now? https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/why-philadelphia-flyers-fired-coach-john-tortorella-behavior “Becoming increasingly combative with everyone in the organization, from management, to coaches, to players, to staff, Tortorella's antics wore on everyone.”   Brent Burns  -915 consecutive games - 4th all time    Ovi Ovechkin - 5 back of Gretzky, 6 to pass - should have stayed at 888 -  10 Games to go and scored at .072 per game pace. Goal Scoring -  2024-25 - Leon with 51 leads 2023-24 - 4 players, Matthes 69, Reinhart 57, Hyman 54, Mackinnon 51 2022-23 - 5 players McDavid 64, Pastrnak 61, Rantanen 55, Draisaitl 52 2021-22 - 4 players Matthews 60, Draisatil, 55, Kreider 52, Ovi 50  2021-20, 19-20 None 2018-19 Ovi 51, Draisaitl 50   Crosby - passes Gretzky with 20th ppg season   Guess the 5th    Playoff Races  Points - Leafs could win Atlantic - how important Top 3 in each division pretty much set Only top in Atlantic up for grabs   Close to certain matchups CAR v NJD DAL v COL LAK v EDM   Wildcard Races East - CBJ, MTL, NYR, NYI, DET West - STL, VAN, CGY   Worst team last 5 years to make playoffs 23-24 WSH 91 22-23 FLA 92 21-22 NSH 97 18-19 COL 90 17-18 COL 95   This year, if pts pace continues, last team 85pts   Connections  Carryover - Ryan Smyth, John Anderson, Dylan Cozens, Jim Thompson (Hyuben  Guess - Yukon connection) - All played with a teammate whose name was the same with a different spelling....that was a tough one. This week - Linus Ullmark, Tristen Jarry, Philip Gustavsson, Alex Nedeljkovic     Streaking -  W  STL 9, VGK 6, DAL 5 L  BOS 5 Crazy Stat  DOPeS  Zary 2 games  - https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/connor-zary-of-calgary-flames-suspended-2-games-for-elbowing  

For the first time ever, we have an in-studio guest as Paul Steward from www.bucpower.com joins us to tell us about his North American tour and discuss the latest in the NHL. He also puts us to the test in Guess the 5th.  Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Tony Granato  Feedback - David Hyuben - Guelph Biltmores News -  Paul's tour through North America impressions of US, Vegas, Leafs game Gretzky/ Bettman following Ovechkin - only needs 8 now Oilers lost 8th loss in last 11. Athletic ranked their goalie tandem as 27th in NHL Leafs - healing for Mitch Marner? - Leafs want to sign but no negotiations so far so would you be interested?  Marner's answer “No”  Lebrun carrying water for the team?  Will Mitch stay? Does it depend on playoffs? Guess the 5th - Paul Standings review  Sens only 4 behind Lightning - is Paul concerned?  6 pts between Penguins in 9th wildcard and Bluejackets in 2nd wildcard Streaking - Senators / Hurricans W5  No one beyond L2  Connections -   Last WEEK - Ryan Smyth, John Anderson, Dylan Cozens, Jim Thompson  This Week - Carryover

Concerns that the trade deadline would be a bit of a dud turned out to be very active and with some big names moving. Despite the Stars and Panthers making big moves for big names, both the Oilers and Leafs made moves but no blockbusters. The Bruns clearly decided to punt on this yeaar and be in a position to take advantage of lots of cap space this summer.  Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Jean Ratelle News Trade Deadline Marchand to Florida - Boston eats half salary and gets 2027 2nd - crazy low return Rantanen to Dallas  Carlo to Leafs Coyle, Nelson  to Avalanche   Oilers…. Jake Walman Trent Frederic  All primary competition added to top, Oilers shored up bottom half of lineup Leafs - Scott Laughton, Brandon Carlo - shored up Defence Marner - was on the block  Sens move Josh Norris Bruins - big time retool  - Marchand, Carlo, Coyle, Frederic - 3 pts out of wildcard  - give up on this season   - All players brought back other than Middelestadt, Minten  on expiring deals  Approx $66MM in cap allocation for next season. Cap is $95.5 Post Deadline  Cap favourites  Guess the 5th  POST DEADLINE REBUILDERS Draft Picks - Puck Pedia Pick Value  - based on Matt Perri calculation - https://puckpedia.com/PerriPickValue ANA - 317.6 BOS - 119.6 BUF - 160.52 CGY - 193.89 CAR - 120.31 CHI - 361.68 COL - 49.96 CBJ - 342.45 DAL - 42.22 DET - 166.17 EDM - 60.65 FLA - 53.94 LAK - 89.16 MIN - 119.62 MTL - 359.7 NAS - 141.59 NJD - 136.82 NYI - 107.06 NYR - 70.17 OTT - 161.53 PHI - 225.37 PIT - 207.36 SJS - 346.87 SEA - 203.62 STL - 143.69 TBL - 51.69 TOR - 46.32 UTA - 179.38 VAN - 89.86 VGK - 69.01 WAS - 93.24 WPG - 76.69   Standings  - 20 games left - down the stretch they come!  Note - Kings are 5 points behind Minnesota in Wildcard  Tightening up - Utah and St Louis making it interesting Connections LAST WEEK - Ed Belfour, Doug Gilmour, Mark Howe, Joe Nieuwendyk - Jon Gee / Nora  THIS WEEK - Ryan Smyth, John Anderson, Dylan Cozens, Jim Thompson   Going Streaking  FLA 5W / COL, DAL, VGK 4W  DET 5L    Crazy Stat - Julio Franco -   

Seth Jones was traded by the Blackhawks Saturday in one of the bigger moves so far in the lead up to the trade deadline. Will there be anything left for deadline day? The Oilers broke a 5 game losing streak while the Jets had their 11 game winning streak come to an end.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Norm Ullman - 490 Goals  News 6 Trades this week  Seth Jones Trade Jones plus 2026 4th to Florida for Spencer Knight and 2026 1st, protected to Chicago. Chicago retained $2,500,000 Oilers break 5 game losing skid  - Pickard starts on HNIC prime game vs Hurricanes - trade looming?  - Lowetide - focused on McDavid struggles with GF% - always been well above 50% - away from Lean is 40% - Leon is 60% w/o 97 - what is going on?  Jets 11 game winning streak ends vs Nashville Thursday  1st in NHL +71 Goal differential  5v5 Stats GF% 59.07 vs CF% 49.7 SV% 93.5 (1)    PP 30.5% (1) PK 79% (16)   Atlantic - TOP 3 Pulling away with winning streaks Stadium series - Detroit vs Columbus - 94,000  - Gaudreau tributes - both teams wore Gaudreau sweaters from different stages of career - visually stunning - great sweaters on both sides PWHL - annual game at Bell Centre - over 17,000 - Montreal beat Boston in OT  Guess the 5th  TRADE DEADLINE - Friday March 7  Who's Left?  Seravalli Board https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/sources-sabres-phones-buzzing-with-interest-in-j-j-peterka-who-joins-trade-targets-board Brock Nelson Scott laughton Brandon Tanev Jake Evans Casey Middelsstadt Bowen Byram Carson Soucy Rickard Rakell Kyle Palmieri Connections Last week:  Mascots - Harvey - Flames , Bailey - Kings, Louie - Blues , Carleton - Leafs - mascots  This week: Ed Belfour, Doug Gilmour, Mark Howe, Joe Nieuwendyk    Going Streaking:  TBL W8, TOR, MTL, STL W4 WAS L3   Crazy Stat   DOPeS: Hartman suspension reduced to 8 games - Bettman gives 13 page(!) ruling. https://media.nhl.com/site/asset/public/ext/2024-25/HartmanRuling.pdf   Zegras - 3 games - https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/ducks-trevor-zegras-suspended-three-games-for-interference why not rule 48?  

In a thrilling final game, Canada defeated the USA in overtime with Connor McDavid getting the winner on a pass from Mitch Marner.  Overall the tournament exceeded all expectations.  Now we head back to the season as the trade deadline looms.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Steve Rucchin   94-95 San Diego Gulls - IHL - Allan Bester, Bob Essensa, Miro Satan,  Assistant Coach - Kurt Kleinendorst - 1st coach of Belleville Sens News Canada wins 3-2 in OT vs USA to win 4 Nations Game stories -  Binnington saves the day, particularly in OT -  Boos of Canadian Anthem - politics brought to another level Harley a revelation to me Good to see Marner feature prominently in final game - had been quite after goal vs Sweden McDavid game MVP MacKinnon tourney MVP Injuries - McAvoy, Tkachuk, Theodore, Pettersson  Final was most-watched hockey telecast in ESPN history Olympics in 2026! Guess the 5th Back to NHL!  Oilers back-to-back losses 6-3 to Flyers and 7-3 to Caps.  Have I mentioned they need to trade for a goalie ? Of course Ovechkin gets hattrick today.  Leafs come back with 6-3 win over Hurricanes. Playoff Wildcard Races East West Goin' Streakin'  Jets W9 Lightning, Ducks W4 Ottawa L4 Oilers L3 Trade Deadline - March 7  Seravalli Trade Target list - https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2-weeks-before-nhl-trade-deadline-carolina-hurricanes-mikko-rantanen-trade-targets-board Interesting Names - Bowen Byram  Elias Pettersson  Jamie Oleksiak Mikko Rantanen - if Canes can't get him sign, could retain 50% (2.3) and move him. Hello Edmonton! Saw article that Leafs might target him as well. Seems Leafs are targeting a 3rd line center - Brock Nelson, Yanni Gourde, Ryan O'Reilly type Seravalli views on Oilers at deadline Reports of Gibson to Oilers - Seravalli says no it won't happen because Gibson insisting on being number 1, so that isn't likely and Oilers can't afford it - see next point  Evander Kane - thinks he will come back before end of season so they need to have room for upgrades Thinks Oilers might make one, minor addition due to cap situation “Dollar in, dollar out”  Connections Chris Phillips, Denis Potvin, Rick DiPietro, Gilbert Perreault This weeek:  Harvey, Bailey, Louie, Carleton    Crazy stat - 

We're excited to say that, despite our misgivings, the 4 Nations faceoff has been outstanding. The USA beat Canada in a game that started with 3 fights in the first 9 seconds and then it was a tight checking, hard-hitting game. The re-match is scheduled in the final on Thursday.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Nelson Emerson News 4 Nations -  Canada 4 Sweden 3  USA 6 Finland 1 USA 3 Canada 1 - 3 fights in first 9 seconds! - HNIC panel giddy - Binnington 2 tough goals, some great saves - Canada unable to challenge Hellebuyck  - USA Defence amazing - Thomas Harley played great Finland 4 Sweden 3  - big game for Finland Canada 5 vs Finland 3 Overall thoughts - much higher intensity than I expected - great hockey, fun to watch - would it be better on bigger ice?    Other stories  - Makar out with sickness and possibly injury - Matt Tkachuk out with injury  - Final on Thurs  Final preview - Guess the 5th NHL announced that there will be a World Cup (name?) every 4 years, 2 years after Olympics. Finally. Connections  Last One - Patric Hornqvist, Jacob Middleton, Gerry Meehan, Paul Maurice - all last pick in the NHL draft  This week - Chris Phillips, Denis Potvin, Gilbert Perreault, Rick DiPietro  Crazy Stat 

The 4 Nations Faceoff is finally here so we're forced to address it. So we do. What's the schedule, what are the rules and does anyone other than the hardest core of fans care? We also discuss the Ryaan Hartman suspension in the DOPeS segment.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Mike Richards  Shout out Noah Wilkerson from Minnesota! News Key injuries heading into 4 nations Quinn Hughes  Sidney Crosby Mikko Rantanen Doughty to replace Pietrangelo   Pens terminate Puljujarvi contract   Ryan Suter plays 1500th game - only 3rd American - Matt Cullen and Chris Chelios  22 players all time have 1500 or more Guess the 5th 4 nations preview  Schedule -  WED CAN vs SWE   THU  US vs FIN  Sat - SWE vs FIN / CAN vs US  Mon - CAN vs FIN / US vs SWE THURS FInal Tie Breaks - using IIHF points system and we break down the tie breakers when teams tied at end of round robin Connections Last Week - Gerry Meehan, Jacob Middleton, Paul Maurice, Patric Hornquvist This Week  - no on got last week so it's a carryover Crazy Stat DOPeS - 10 games for Hartman  https://www.nhl.com/news/wild-ryan-hartman-suspended-10-games-for-roughing Appealing  History - https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/ryan-hartman-suspension-history-revisiting-5-instances-minnesota-wild-forward-s-multi-game-discipline 4th suspension since April 2023    

In a Hockey Night in Canada matchup, the Leafs came out victorious in a nailbiter in Edmonton.  Paul Stewart comes back on the show to talk Lightning and he brings a special version of Guess the 5th.  JT Miller finally gets traded by the Canucks and we break it down.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Bruce Driver - played for Badger Bob Johnson - '66-'82  as Head Coach of Wisconsin Badgers  News Leafs 4 Oilers 3 in game that went down to the wire. JT Miller trade to Rangers To the New York Rangers: J.T. Miller (forward) Erik Brannstrom (defenseman) Jackson Dorrington (defenseman prospect) To the Vancouver Canucks: Filip Chytil (forward) Victor Mancini (defenseman) Conditional 2025 first-round draft pick The first-round pick is top-13 protected, meaning if it falls within the top 13 selections in 2025, it will transfer to 20262. Other Trades To Dallas Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci  To Sharks 2025 1st, 4th    To Flames Joel Farabee, Morgan Frost To Flyers Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier 2025 2nd, 2028 7th   Golden Knights sign Brandon Saad $1.5MM   Salary Cap announcements -  2025-26 - 95.5 (up 7.5) 2026-27 - 104 (up 8.5) 2027-28 - 113.5 (up 9.5)  Will be interesting to watch contracts this summer - Marner, Rantanen, McDavid    Guess the 5th - a good one!   Tampa Bay season update from Paul  Rivalry with Panthers  Lightning are +34 Goal Diff (4th in league) but sitting in 2nd Wild Card    4 Nations - what are his thoughts?  Cooper playing favourites with Hagel and Cirelli?    Paul's Pet Peeves    Connections  Last Week  What do the 1977, 1993, 1999, 2003 drafts have in common -  THis Week - Patrick Hornqvist, Gerry Meehan, Paul Maurice, Jake Middleton   Going Streakin'  NYI W7 WPG W6 DET W5 STL, NSH L4   Crazy Stat - Paul brings a beauty from soccer history

In a shocking blockbuster trade, the Avalanche trade Mikko Rantanen to the Hurricanes. Is Eric Tulsky the smartest GM ever? Will we see more big trades well before the deadline?  People are dropping out of the 4 Nations Faceoff - is it a trend?    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Jason Allison - played with Troy Sweet in London/ Chris Longo Portland /  / Barry Trotz - coach Portland Pirates - 3 goalies - Byron Dafoe, Rick Tabaracci, Olaf Kolzig / Todd Nelson, Trotz, Andrew Brunette,  News Mikko Rantanen, Taylor Hall to Hurricanes for Martin Necas, Jack Drury, 2025 2nd, 2026 4th  Rantanen 6th in scoring when traded.  Contract up at end of season - $4.625MM- expecting Draisaitl type salary - $14MM  Comments from MacKinnon, Bednar Makar due in 27-28 MacFarland must have decided he couldn't live with 3 guys over $12MM Does this change how other GMs look at expiring contracts?   Marner?    4 nations players dropping out Heiskenen  Pietrangelo - nursing injury but paying 24 min / game Karlsson - “lower body injury”  Jacob Markstrom Charlier McAvoy Erik Haula  Per Wyshinski - no 1 game suspension for not attending unlike All Star game Will we see more? Captains - Crosby, Hedman, Matthews, Barkov Brandon Saad waived by Blues and is free agent - Leafs and Oilers said to be interested Klingberg to play first game as Oiler tonight.    Guess the 5th    Standings Update East is tight! We review the standings.  Connections Last Week - Claude Julien, Alain Vigneault, Pat Burns, Benoit Groulx  This Week    Crazy Stat DOPeS - McDavid 3 games / Myers 3 games  Lilleberg - 2 games - interference - head contact - https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/lightning-emil-lilleberg-suspended-two-games-for-interference Ridiculously lenient. 

In a record setting performance, Alex Nedeljkovic scores a goal and adds an assist, the first time an NHL goalie has managed that feat. Meanwhile, did Connor McDavid escape discipline for a sneaky elbow?  Mike continues to be flummoxed by the unwillingness of Leafs fans to enjoy this season.     Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Don Marcotte  News Ndeljkovic scores - 16th goalie to score, 11th to shoot it https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-goalie-goals-all-time-313758920 Took a hit to make the play! Also had an assist - 1st time ever goal and assist Scored 2 in AHL and 1 in ECHL - 1st ever  McDavid chicken wing - no fine or suspension - what do you think?  https://youtu.be/NX8P28Fjats?si=b8ALcjbaZgyl7BIX Oilers sign Klingberg - $1.75 AAV - 32 yrs old - gets $1MM - $350k bonus plus salary - hasn't played since Nov 2023 Oilers beat Kings, Wild and Avalanche this week - were done 3-0 to Avs and came back.  Matthews continues to score despite Leafs struggles lately  Rumours that Marchand might be on the trade block - last year of 8 yr contract - $6MM - 36 yrs - if Bruins fall out of playoffs will they move him?  Guess the 5th  Columbus Blue Jackets - where did they come from?  Last 10 - 8-10-0  6W in a row Currently in 1st wildcard in East Fancies GF% 51% (11)  xGF% 48.71% (25) SH% 10.03% (3) SV% (25)  Since Dec 1 GF% 51.55% (12) xGF 45% (28) SH% 9.8 (8) SV% 91.12 (17)  Since Dec 22 - have scored a PPG per game Have been on a hot streak but nothing to indicate it's real -  Schedule has been pretty soft over this span  Connections -  Last Week - lubes, swing, flase, teardrops - anagrams of NHL team names This Week - Claude Julien, Alain Vigneault, Pat Burns, Benoit Groulx  Crazy Stat -  DOPeS - Tsyplakov 3 games hit to head https://www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-maxim-tsyplakov-suspended-3-games

Does Zach Hyman's purchase of the Brantford Bulldogs mean the Belleville Bulls are returning? TSN put out it's first Trade Bait board and Pettersson and Miller are the first two names. Will one of them actually get moved? What should the Oilers and Leafs be looking to do?    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player  Claude Larose Junior in Peterborough 59-60 - Peterborough TPT Petes  - Toronto Peterborough Transport was sponsor Other team name origins -  Hamilton Fincups - Brantford Alexanders - Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds   News Zach Hyman family buys Brantford Bulldogs - first step to Belleville Bulls returning?  Andleauer interview https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/andlauer-says-belleville-is-here-to-stay-provides-update-on-lebr~3059615 Canadiens keep rolling - Habs GM Kent Hughes - does he listen to ScuttlePuck? Mid-season interview was asked about trade deadline and he basically said - we're a game above 500 - relax. Matthews - 7 points in 3 games back from injury Will he play in 4 Nations? 5 weeks away  Leafs 1st in division, 2nd in Conf, 5th in league  Marner 4th in NHL in points - are Leafs fans enjoying this?   OIlers playing well but can't gain on hot Knights and Kings - Jets honour Hellebuyck with 300 wins - wore Hellebuyck sweaters, number 300.  . NCAA Sweaters - saw some BU highlights - NHL needs more 2 colour teams -  Streakin' -  Dallas 7W Red Wings 6W Sharks L3 Guess the 5th First Trade Bait Board is out on TSN.ca Elias Pettersson JT Miller - Rangers interested - NMC / Canucks keep struggling, will this happen?  Brock Nelson John Gibson David Savard Will Borgen Marcus Petterson Scott Laughton Trent Frederic Yanni Gourde Other names Taylor Hall Ryan O'Reilly Any players Leafs should target? Oilers potential Giibson - 91.6% SV - would put him in top 10 in league. Skinner currently 25th.  O'Reilly Evander Kane out with knee surgery - gaming the cap system. Can add $5.1MM in salary and have Kane for playoffs CONNECTIONS: LAST WEEK - Pavel Bure, Jay Bouwmeester, Trey Augustine, Niklas Sundstrum - all won 3 consecutive medals at WJC THIS WEEK - Swing, false, teardrops, lubes  Crazy Stat -  DOPeS - Zach L'Heureux - 3 games for slew foot https://scoutingtherefs.com/2025/01/46746/preds-lheureux-suspended-three-games-for-slew-foot/  

We recompose ourselves after a loss to Latvia and then a less than inspiring win over Germany at the World Junior Championships.  What does the classic New Year's Eve game vs the USA have in store? We're concerned. We review some interesting stats from the calendar year 2024 and then give our thoughts on some novel ideas to improve the game.  As always we have Guess the 5th and Connections!    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Andre Savard -  News Caps game - Ovechkin now 23 away USA wins gold in OT over Finland Canada loses in 2nd straight year to Czechia - lots of controversy - left Michael Misa - 33 goals for Saginaw, Beckett Sennecke - 26 G, 59P in 33 GP OSH.  Carter Yakemchuk Zayne Parekh - both over PPG as defencemen Canadiens are hot - now in playoffs by points but behind Senators in PTS% 8-2-0 in last 10  Includes wins over FLA, TBL, VGK, COL For real?  Since Dec 1 - GF% 51.31 xGF% 48.38 CF% 50.03  Before Dec 1 GF% 41.35 xGF% 45.82 CF% 46.47  Jakub Dobes - Czechia goalie played 2 nhl games - Shut out Florida, then 1G against Col  Crazy that they are in playoff spot with 51.3 PTS% (41 pts in 40 GP - 84PTS projected)  In 2023-24, Worst PTS% to make playoffs was 55.5 (91 pts)  VGK was 2nd wildcard in West with 98 PTS (59.8%)  Guess the 5th  41 Game Mark Predictions review CONNECTIONS:  Martin Biron, Sean Avery, Martin Brodeur, Rob Ray  Nora - all four have a rule named for them or had a rule changed because of them.  THIS WEEK  Pavel Bure, Jay Bouwmeester, Trey Augustine, Niklas Sundstrum  40 Game Who is For Real?  Based on xGF% - GF%  (high positive number means probably going to improve, low negative number means probably going to fall off) WPG -6.98 TOR -5.59 VGK -5.1 NAS +8.83 PIT +6.72 PHI +5.76 41 Games Stats Leaders Goalies Crazy Stat DOPeS  Hamilton $2000 for embellishment - Friedge says lots of complaints about diving -https://www.nhl.com/video/hamilton-fined-for-embellishment-6366654206112 Norris back in Dec https://www.nhl.com/video/all-of-monday-s-goals-6366759964112 Bennett fined for roughing - NHL shows videos of embellishment fines, but not others

We recompose ourselves after a loss to Latvia and then a less than inspiring win over Germany at the World Junior Championships.  What does the classic New Year's Eve game vs the USA have in store? We're concerned. We review some interesting stats from the calendar year 2024 and then give our thoughts on some novel ideas to improve the game.  As always we have Guess the 5th and Connections!    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Ryan Whitney - 481 GP News  Dallas practice on boxing day - big no no. - $100,000 fine  Latvia beats Canada! Spengler Cup - seems like fun Derek Lalonde out in Detroit, MacLellan in - 4th coaching change Crosby passes Lemieux for Assists with Penguins at 1034 Avalanche sign Blackwood for 5 years, $26.25MM Kaprizov hurt -  Winter Classic - Chicago vs St. Louis -    St. Louis has been in 2 of last 4 - why? 16 Winter Classics, only 2 Canadian teams Teams that have never played.  Edmonton Oilers Calgary Flames Vancouver Canucks Winnipeg Jets Ottawa Senators Florida Panthers Tampa Bay Lightning New Jersey Devils Carolina Hurricanes Columbus Blue Jackets New York Islanders Colorado Avalanche Los Angeles Kings Anaheim Ducks • San Jose Sharks Guess the 5th  Going Streakin' CHI 4L, NYR, SJS 3L - Rangers in 8th in Metro - 2-8-0 in last 10, 7 pts out of playoffs, with 5 teams ahead VGK 6W, COL 4W, BUF 3W NHL Stats for 2024 - see guide 27 3+ goal comeback wins EDM 16 game winning streak  AZ move to Utah Ovechkin - 25 goals to Gretzky  - RS+PO - Gretzky 1016, Ovi 942 (-74)  82 game average goals - both at 49  Combined PO + Reg including WHA  Howe 1071G + 1518 =2589  Gretzky 1072G + 2297=3369  GP  Gretzky - 1695 + 93 = 1788 Howe - 1924 + 497 = 2421  (633 more)  Crosby - 600G, 1000A, 1600 PT, 1300 GP 19th PPG regular season - matching Gretzky record  McDavid 900 / 1000PT  Matthews - 69 G - highest since Lemieux in 95-96  McDavid and Kucherov - 4t, 5th players to get 100A in a season Most KM Skated - McDavid - 605km  (378mi) Connections  John Gee, Nora and Paul Stewart, David Huyben all gave answers.  Ideas to Improve Hockey / NHL Vary rink sizes  - length from 210' - 190'  - Boston Arena, before 1924 was 220 x 90 but in 1924 was 200 x 80 feet when Bruins moved in.  Width from 80-95 wide -  Boston garden was 191 x 84 Chicago Stadium was 185 x 85  Buffalo - 196 x 85    Player benches across, centred so no “long change”    1934-40 - Penalty shot circle - 20' Diameter 38' from goal line  1943 - Red Line added - to speed up game and reduce offside   Penalty shot for defensive zone stick infractions - hooking, tripping, slashing, cross check inside the house. Shoot from circle, puck live if a rebound. Players line up behind circles.    No crosschecks - none Eliminate standing with puck behind net to reset - defensive team must move puck - can be side to side or backward, but can not stand still waiting for line changes  Presentation - more conversations with players when prepping - similar to F1  - not scripted - just have reporter walking around, talking to equipment managers, maybe get a quick chat with a player if they happen to be standing around.  Stats done by reg+po   Ask for listener ideas - and rationale Crazy Stat DOPeS   

Mark Allred from the Black N' Gold podcast returns to tell us all about the Bruins season so far - Montgomery fired, Swayman contract and what's to come after a mediocre start.  And then we preview the world junior tournament.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Craig MacTavish   News Injuries - Matthews - does this go back to rib injury from cross check last year Hyman - scary shot to face  Mark Allred How's the Bruins season so far Swayman Where did the offence go Montgomery out, Sacco in Guess the 5th  Connections - Last Week - David Perron, Wendel Clark, Francois Beauchemin, Mark Recchii - all played on the same team 3 different times This Week - Pat Lafontaine, Martin Biron, Mike Donnelly, Taylor Pyatt World Junior Preview In last 12 tournaments - Canada 5, US 4, Fin 3  B Pool Sweden -  Czechia Switzerland Slovakia  Khazakstan Crazy Stat - NFL  Dopes - Rempe 8 games - https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/new-york-rangers-matt-rempe-suspended-8-games Elbowing and Boarding  23 games since last suspension for elbowing Heiskenen - 

Some big moves went down in the NHL over the past week with Jacob Trouba, Cam Fowler and David Jiricek all getting traded, in very different deals. Linus Ullmark is hot in Ottawa and the Senators are looking good. Can they get to a playoff spot?    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Yvon Lambert -  News  Trades this week!  Cam Fowler  a strong pickup for St. Louis - currently in 6th in division - Krug on LTIR, Ducks eat $2.5MM - Blues trying to save season Colorado looking to solve their goaltending woes and Wedgewood clearly wasn't the solution. Have traded both goalies in past 2 weeks. Have played 6 goalies this year. Currently last in league in sv% - .870 and still in playoff position Trades last week. Trouba - Rangers threatened to put him on waivers if he didn't accept a trade to Anaheim. He had a 15 team no trade list and presumably Anaheim was on the list -  Rangers struggling - 5-1 loss to LA last night - tied for 5th with NYI and PIT Jiricek trade Guess the 5th Connections - Last Week - dustin Brown, John Tavares, Mike Modano, Joe Thornton This week - David Perron, Wendel Clark, Francois Beauchemin, Mark Recchii    Ullmark - hot for Sens as they have rallied - .967SV% over past 5 games   EBUG last night - Zach Dietz was at the game to watch but had to go to his car to get his gear.  Video of him running with his gear to get to rink because traffic was so slow  https://theplayoffs.news/en/watch-ottawa-senators-emergency-backup-goalie-zach-dietz-sprints-to-the-arena-with-full-gear-after-anton-forsbergs-injury/ Laine back to play Winnipeg - first time against Hellebuyck though - made a joke about Hellebuyck having Patty Flu  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9aGUe-Lr2wI Crazy Stat Going Streaking -  Wins - Oilers at 5 / Caps at 4 Losses - CHI, MTL, BUF, FLA 2 OTL CBJ 2  Next Week  World Junior preview 

Title player - Dale McCourt  Feedback - News Luke Richardson fired Anders Sorensen in as interim What were Hawks expecting?  Friedman seems to think team no happy with Bedard's development McDavid up to 7th in points.   Necas at 41, 1.58P/GP Maintaining the pace.  PWHL Season Starts No Escape Rule - players on team taking penalty can't change at start of penalty HOT / NOT  Atlantic - TOR, BOS 7-3-0 / BUF - 3-5-2  - Bruins 4W - new coach bump?  Metro - WAS 7-2-1 / NYR 4-6-0 CBJ L3  Penguins - 5W in last 6 Central - MIN 7-2-1 / CHI 2-7-1  - CHI L5  Pacific - VGK 7-2-1 / SEA 4-6-0 - LAK W5  Home / Away records  CGY 10-3-1  / 3-6-4  VAN 4-5-3 / 10-2-1  DAL 10-2-0 / 6-8-0 TOR 12-4-0 / 4-5-2  Guess the 5th Connections  LAST WEEK Robert Carpenter, Thomas Harley, Josh Dume, JT Compher Dustin Brown, John Tavares, Mike Modano, Joe Thornton 4 Nations Faceoff teams announced No Scheiffele, Bedard, Hyman  Canada  F Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins F Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche F Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins F Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers F Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning D Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche Rest of the roster F Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers F Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay Lightning F Brandon Hagel, Tampa Bay Lightning F Seth Jarvis, Carolina Hurricanes F Travis Konecny, Philadelphia Flyers F Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs F Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers F Mark Stone, Vegas Golden Knights D Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets D Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues D Alex Pietrangelo, Vegas Golden Knights D Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers D Shea Theodore, Vegas Golden Knights D Devon Toews, Colorado Avalanche G Jordan Binnington, St. Louis Blues G Adin Hill, Vegas Golden Knights G Sam Montembeault, Montreal Canadiens   USA F Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights F Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs F Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers D Adam Fox, New York Rangers D Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks D Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins Rest of the roster F Matt Boldy, Minnesota Wild F Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets F Jake Guentzel, Tampa Bay Lightning F Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils F Chris Kreider, New York Rangers F Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings F J.T. Miller, Vancouver Canucks F Brock Nelson, New York Islanders F Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators F Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers D Brock Faber, Minnesota Wild D Noah Hanifin, Vegas Golden Knights D Jaccob Slavin, Carolina Hurricanes D Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets G Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets G Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars G Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins   FINLAND F Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes F Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers F Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche D Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars D Esa Lindell, Stars G Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators Rest of the roster F Joel Armia, Montreal Canadiens F Mikael Granlund, San Jose Sharks F Erik Haula, New Jersey Devils F Roope Hintz, Dallas Stars F Kaapo Kakko, New York Rangers F Artturi Lehkonen, Colorado Avalanche F Anton Lundell, Florida Panthers F Patrik Laine, Montreal Canadiens F Eetu Luostarinen, Florida Panthers F Teuvo Teravainen, Chicago Blackhawks D Jani Hakanpaa, Toronto Maple Leafs D Niko Mikkola, Florida Panthers D Olli Maatta, Utah Hockey Club D Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia Flyers D Juuso Valimaki, Utah Hockey Club G Kevin Lankinen, Vancouver Canucks G Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo Sabres SWEDEN F Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators F William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs F Mika Zibanejad, New York Rangers D Gustav Forsling, Florida Panthers D Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning D Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins   Rest of the roster F Viktor Arvidsson, Edmonton Oilers F Jesper Bratt, New Jersey Devils F Leo Carlsson, Anaheim Ducks F Joel Eriksson Ek, Minnesota Wild F William Karlsson, Vegas Golden Knights F Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings F Elias Lindholm, Boston Bruins F Gustav Nyquist, Nashville Predators F Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks F Lucas Raymond, Detroit Red Wings D Rasmus Andersson, Calgary Flames D Jonas Brodin, Minnesota Wild D Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres D Mattias Ekholm, Edmonton Oilers G Filip Gustavsson, Minnesota Wild G Jacob Markstrom, New Jersey Devils G Linus Ullmark, Ottawa Senators   Crazy Stat   DOPeS Timo Meier - v1 Game for Crosscheck - https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/devils-timo-meier-suspended-1-game-for-cross-checking

Bruce Dowbiggin and Evan Dowbiggin, authors of the new book Deal With It tell us about the book and some of the great NHL trades that they cover in it. Also we get some insights in to the process of trades in the NHL and also some history on the Alan Eagleson saga from the early 90s.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Paul Henderson - Interview: Bruce Dowbiggin and Evan Dowbiggin discuss their new book Deal With It.  Buy on Amazon at https://www.amazon.ca/Deal-Trades-Stunned-Changed-Hockey-ebook/dp/B0D236NB35/ Or go to https://brucedowbigginbooks.ca Twitter / Instagram: @dowbboy  News Bruins celebrating 100 years  McDavid up to 11th in points - 20 points in last 9 games Some new names in the top 10 over past years - 6  players over 1.5PPG Oilers beat Avalanche 4-1 - 3 straight, up to 3rd. Knoblach matchups interesting  Leafs hold on against Lightning - looking strong despite near collapse  Matthews back - any word on injury?  Bissonette -  gets beat up at restaurant  https://youtu.be/y_lI27vNOVM?feature=shared GUESS the 5th Connections - Last week - Mario Lemieux, Alexander Mogilny, Luc Robitaille, Rob Ray - all scored on first shift in first game in NHL This week - Robert Carpenter, Thomas Harley, JT Compher Hot / Not ATLANTIC - TOR 8-2-0 / FLA 4-6-0  - FLA have 3W streak and still 4-6-0 in last 10 METRO - WAS / PHI 7-2-1  (3W)/ NYI 2-4-4 - NYR 5L Streak broken / PHI, PIT 3W / WAS 4W  CENTRAL - MIN 6-2-2 / CHI 3-6-1 - Jets slowing down 5-5-0  - MIN keep rolling - Gustavsson - .929 - NAS 3 OTL in a row! and 5 of last 10 OTL MIN 3W PACIFIC -  EDM 7-2-1 / SJS 4-4-2 - EDM, LAK 3W   Crazy Stat 

We are at the quarter point in the season so we have a look at how our predictions are shaping up. Sidney Crosby hit the 600 goal milestone and we discuss how high he'll get on the all time list. Joe Thornton's number was retired by San Jose this week and we get into a discussion about his legacy.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Howie Morenz News Crosby 600 goals  - how high will he get?  Montgomery fired by Boston Montgomery hired by St. Louis (Bannister fired)  Hughes hit on Norris - suspendable? penalty?  https://youtu.be/EJFW8L2LuZQ?si=RVpB9U5fEfgaFg7M Joe Thornton Jersey Retirement Guess the 5th Connections - Mario Lemieux, Alexander Mogilny, Luc Robitaille, Rob Ray  Predictions Review Hot/Not Crazy Stat DOPeS - Whitecloud hit on Knies - ? https://youtu.be/51rieZIXzAs?si=4SObkqj4qopX_OZf

The Leafs beat the Oilers in OT so Dale and I discuss, including Ryan Reaves, suspension-earning hit on Darnell Nurse. It got him 5 games and we have opinions on that. We also dig into the fancy stats to project whose starts are mirages and whose are the real deal.     Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Busher Jackson  - Connor McDavid News Oilers 3 vs Leafs 4 Reaves hit - 5 games Matthews out for 6 games - any idea on injury? McDavid hits 1000 points in 659 games How do things look for the Oilers? NEED a goaliie. Skinner got them to final, but with a .901 Reg season .905 This year .877 Might want to get a goalie coach while they're at it PREDICTION: Bowman trades Bouchard for a goalie  Jets at 15-2 This is a mirage and could see a precipitous fall Guess the 5th Connections   LAST WEEK Steve Larmer, Craig Ramsay, Danny Grant, Doug Jarvis - Peterborough Petes Fancy stats update - whose results are real, who is not Hot / Not   Atlantic FLA 7-3-0 / MTL 3-6-1  Metro CAR 8-2-0 / PIT,CBJ 3-5-2 Central WPG 8-2-0 / NAS 2-5-3 (STL 3-6-1)  Pacific VGK 7-2-1 / ANA 3-6-1 Sharks last by a point    Crazy Stat  DOPES Tyler Jeannot - 3 Games  https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/tanner-jeannot-suspended-3-games-for-illegal-check   Matt Stienberg - 2 Games https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/colorado-avalanche-matt-stienburg-suspended-2-games

The NHL reveal the sweaters for the 4 Nations Faceoff and we give our thoughts. Dale's a big nickname guy and we discuss the best ones in the NHL today and also the best in history.     Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player John McKenzie   News 4 Nations cup sweaters  https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/first-look-of-2025-4-nations-face-off-jerseys Very straight-forward.  Like that they have picked colours so every team only needs 1 colour.  Yamamoto on waivers Rempe to AHL - fighting down?  Surprised to see  Lafreniere - 7 x $7.45 - good bet for Rangers Penguins 3-6-1 to start -  - how much pressure to make changes?  Jets 8-0  2 away from Leafs record of 10 wins in 93-94 Guess the 5th Connections  LAST WEEK -  John Vanbiesbrouck, Barrasso, Billy Smith Pelle Lindbergh Vezina trophies - all won vezina with sv% below .900 THIS WEEK Steve Larmer, Craig Ramsay, Danny Grant, Doug Jarvis  Nick names - Josh Kirkland - nickname “Costco” - great Some other good ones  Arber Xhekaj - wifi  Ryan Lomberg - Lomberghini Marcus Johanssen - JoJo  Tomas Tatar - Tuna Shesterkin - The Sheriff Quinn Hughes  Huggy Bear -  Best all time?  -  Newsy Lalonde Boom Boom Geoffrion Chico Resch Rogi Vachon Moose Dupont Cujo   Surprising Starts WPG 8-0  MIN - 5-1-2  CGY - 5-2-1 PIT - 3-6-1   Sharks  0-7-2 - no one surprised but Friedman   Crazy Stats     

We are delighted to be joined by Paul Stewart, Tampa Bay Buccaneers historian and Lightning Fan.  We disucss his hockey journey and get his take on Stamkos and the Lightning start to the season.  He then puts Dale and I through our trivia paces in a special Guess the 5th.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio   Title Player: Frans Nielsen Guest: Paul Steward @BucpowerC  www.bucpower.com  Introductions Lightning start to season Stamkos situation Adam Johnson How does someone from the UK become Tampa Bay Buccaneers historian?  Paul's meeting with F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet  Guess the 5th  Connections: Last week:  LAST WEEK - Ron Francis, Peter Bondra, Michael Nylander, Jussi Jokinen - all finished second to Jaromir Jagr when he led the team in points. THIS WEEK - John Vanbiesbrouc, Barrasso, Billy Smith Pelle Lindbergh Crazy stat 

Oilers get outscored 15-3 in first three games in a tough start to the year while the Leafs get out to a 2-1 start. We take a look at the fast starters and slow starters as things start up.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Sid Abel News Oilers 0-3 - Fire the coach! Trade the goalie!  SH% 3.2  SV% 78.3%  McDavid - 2 A in 3 G Leafs 2-1 - Good start - Woll injured but rest has been pretty solid  Matthews - 0 pts What the hell is going on with the big stars?!! Raphael Lavoie - waived by Oilers, claimed by Vegas - waived by Vegas, claimed by Oilers - waived by Oilers, claimed by Vegas What? Guess the 5th Connections  LAST WEEK - Don Maloney, Joe Watson, Mark Howe, Ron Sutter THIS WEEK - Ron Francis, Peter Bondra, Michael Nylander, Jussi Jokinen  Around the League Fast Starts Devils - 4-1 Rangers 2-0-1 Dallas, Winnipeg 3-0  Utah - 3-1 Vegas, Calgary 3-0 Slow (0 points) Oilers (3), Avs (3), Preds (2), Canes(1), Caps(1),  Oilers in good company! Player Stats Fast Start Goals -  Dylan Guenther UTA 5 Scheiffele WPG, Cotter NJD, Caufield MTL - 4 Points Eichel VGK, Malkin PIT, Panarin NYR - 7 Crazy Stat 

Al Mitchell from Edmonton Sports 1440 joins us to give us the inside scoop on the Oilers heading into the season. He also gives some insights into the Pacific division and what we should expect.  We then give our predictions for the 4 divisions.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player:  Doug Risebrough Feedback News: Swayman and Bruins agree to 8 yr, 66 million deal NMC in yrs 3-6 and Mod NTC in yrs 7-8 $23MM in bonuses Tyson Barrie CGY 1yr $1.25 Season starts with Global Series Devils win 4-1 and 3-1 over Sabres in season openers Fri and Sat.  Rest of league starts Tuesday Oct 8 .  Jack Campbell enters Player Assistance program.  Had signed 1 year deal with Red Wings. Out indefinitely.s Guess the 5th   Connections -Last week - Denis Potvin, Larry Robinson, Scott Niedermeyer, Mark Howe - All played with their brothers THIS WEEK: Mark Howe, Dan Maloney, Ron Sutter, Joe Watson GUEST: AL MITCHELL - Edmonton Sports 1440  Oilers D Stan Bowman Pacific Division Preview Atlantic Division Preview PREDICTIONS    

The Metro division is up for preview in this episode and we discuss the Jeremy Swayman situation in Boston as the sides take to the media to apply pressure.     Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Mike Keane  - Patrick Laine -  Mike Keane 03-04 Canucks Ryan Kesler ->  13-14 Canucks Shawn Matthias -> 16-17 Jets Patrick Laine News: Cedric Pare knee on knee hit on Laine - what did you think?  Doughty out for months with broken ankle - ugly video  Getzlaf joins DOPeS Swayman still unsigned in Boston Neely: "I don't want to get into the weeds what his ask is, but I know there are 64 million reasons for him to be playing now"1 Swayman's agent responds that this is the first they've heard that number. Oilers Nurse yet to play Kane out months but prob not going on LTIR Leafs  NHL Starts with Global Series on Friday the 4th - other preseason games going on. Rest starts Monday the 7th,  UFAs Tyler Johnson 34 Justin Schultz 34 Kevin Shattenkirk 35 Blake Wheeler 38 Guess the 5th   Connections  LAST WEEK Matt Martin, Justin Bourne, Boom Boom Geoffrion, Steven Olesky (all married to daughters of pro athletes)  THIS WEEK Metro Preview  Carolina  https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2024-25-nhl-team-preview-carolina-hurricanes Rod Brindamour Additions Departures Sean Walker, D (UFA) Jake Guentzel, LW (TB) Shayne Gostisbehere, D (UFA) Brady Skjei, D (NSH) Jack Roslovic, C (UFA) Brett Pesce, D (NJ) William Carrier, LW (UFA) Teuvo Teravainen, F (CHI) Tyson Jost, C (UFA) Evgeny Kuznetsov, C (KHL)   Stefan Noesen, F (NJ) Columbus  https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2024-25-nhl-team-preview-columbus-blue-jackets   Dean Evason Additions Departures Sean Monahan, C Patrick Laine, LW (Mtl) Jordan Harris, D Alexandre Texier, C (StL) Jack Johnson, D Adam Boqvist, D (Fla) Dylan Gambrell, C Jake Bean, D (Cgy)   Alex Nylander, LW (Tor-AHL)     New Jersey https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2024-25-nhl-team-preview-new-jersey-devils Sheldon Keefe Additions Departures Jacob Markstrom, G John Marino, D (UTA) Brett Pesce, D Kevin Bahl, D (CGY) Brenden Dillon, D Alexander Holtz, RW (VGK) Stefan Noesen, RW Brendan Smith, D (DAL) Tomas Tatar, LW Tomas Nosek, LW (FLA) Paul Cotter, C Akira Schmid, G (VGK) Jonathan Kovacevic, D Chris Tierney, C (UFA) Adam Beckman, LW Graeme Clarke, RW (MIN) New York Islanders https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2024-2025-nhl-team-preview-new-york-islanders Coach Patrick Roy   Additions Departures Marcus Hogberg, G Robert Bortuzzo, D (Uta) Maxim Tsyplakov, RW Ken Appleby, G (AHL) Anthony Duclair, LW Cal Clutterbuck, RW (UFA) Fredrik Karlstrom, C Matt Martin, LW (UFA)   Sebastian Aho, D (Pit)   Ruslan Iskhakov, C (KHL)         New York Rangers https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2024-25-nhl-team-preview-new-york-rangers Coach Peter Laviolette Additions Departures Reilly Smith, RW Alex Wennberg, C (SJ) Sam Carrick, C Jack Roslovic, C (Car) Casey Fitzgerald, D Erik Gustafsson, D (Det) Adam Erne, LW (PTO) Blake Wheeler, RW (UFA)   Barclay Goodrow, C (SJ)             Philadelphia https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2024-2025-nhl-team-preview-philadelphia-flyers John Tortorella Additions Departures Matvei Michkov, RW Carter Hart, G (UFA)   Cam Atkinson, RW (TB) Anthony Richard, LW Marc Staal, D (retired)   Ryan Johansen, C (UFA)   Victor Mete, D (UFA)   Felix Sandstrom, G (Buf)   Denis Gurianov, RW (KHL)             Pittsburgh https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2024-25-nhl-team-preview-pittsburgh-penguins Mike Sullivan Additions Departures Cody Glass, C Jeff Carter, C (retired)  Rutger McGroarty, LW Reilly Smith, RW (NYR) Matt Gezelcyk, D Jordan Frasca, C (NSH) Blake Lizottte, LW Radim Zohorna, LW (Switzerland) Anthony Beauvillier, LW Maxim Cajkovic, RW (Czechia) Kevin Hayes, C   Bokondji Imama, LW   Mac Hollowell, D   Sebastian Aho, D           Washington https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2024-25-nhl-team-preview-washington-capitals Spencer Carbary Additions Departures Pierre-Luc Dubois, C Darcy Kuemper, G (LA) Jakob Chychrun, D Nick Jensen, D (Ott) Matt Roy, D Max Pacioretty (Tor PTO) Andrew Mangiapane, LW Matthew Phillips, RW (Col) Logan Thompson, G Nicolas Aube-Kubel, RW (Buf) Brandon Duhaime, RW Lucas Johansen, D (Nsh – PTO) Taylor Raddysh, RW Beck Malenstyn, LW (Buf) Jakub Vrana, LW (PTO)                         Crazy Stat

The teams have hit the ice for exhibition season and we get close to the regular season. We do a deep dive on the Central Division and get into all sorts of other crazy stuff.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Rob Niedermayer  News Exhibition games started  NHL signs deal with Amazon for Monday Night Hockey Faceoff series - similar to Drive to Survive Rumours that Atlanta and Houston could be part of expansion   Ottawa reaches agreement in principle with city on 10 acre piece of land at Lebreton Flats  Arena not intended to be funded by taxpayers Guess the 5th Connections  LAST WEEK - Brendan Bell, Claude Provost, Dana Murzyn, Gaetan Duchesne  THIS WEEK - Matt Martin, Justin Bourne, Boom Boom Geoffrion, Steven Olesky  Central Division Preview  Dallas 113 pts 1st   Additions Departures Ilya Lyubushkin, D Matt Dumba, D Casey DeSmith, G Brendan Smith, D Colin Blackwell, LW Magnus Hellberg, G Joe Pavelski, RW (retired) Chris Tanev, D (Tor) Ryan Suter, D (Stl) Radek Faksa, C (Stl) Jani Hakanpaa, D (Tor) Craig Smith, RW (Chi) Ty Dellandrea, C (SJ) Scott Wedgewood, G (Nsh) Oettinger with DeSmith should be formidable   Winnipeg 110 2nd   Additions Departures Scott Ariel Rick Bowness Eric Comrie Sean Monahan Kaapo Kahkonen Tyler Toffoli Jarret Anderson-Dolan Brendan Dillon Mason Shaw Laurent Brossoit Haydn Fleury   Dylan Coghlan     Colorado 107 3rd Adds Dep Erik Brannstrom, D Sean Walker, D (Car) Oliver Kylington, D Yakov Trenin, C (Min) Parker Kelly, LW Zach Parise, LW (retired) Calvin de Haan, D Andrew Cogliano, LW (retired) Jacob MacDonald, D Jack Johnson, D (CBJ) Kevin Mandolese, G Pavel Francouz, G (retired) T.J. Tynan, C Brandon Duhaime, LW (Wsh) Matthew Phillips, RW Ivan Prosvetov, G (KHL) Calle Rosen, D Riley Tufte, LW (Bos)   Caleb Jones, D (LA)   Fredrik Olofsson, LW (Swiss NL)   Georgiev and Annunen in goal - good enough?   Nashville 99 4th Adds Dep  Steven Stamkos, C Yaroslav Askarov, G (SJ) Jonathan Marchessault, RW Jason Zucker, LW (Buf) Brady Skjei, D Anthony Beauvillier, LW (Pit) Scott Wedgewood, G Ryan McDonagh, D (TB) David Edstrom, C Kevin Lankinen, G (UFA) Magnus Chrona, G Kiefer Sherwood, RW (Van) Ozzy Wiesblatt, RW       St Louis 92 5th  Dylan Holloway, C (RFA) Adam Gaudette, F (OTT) Philip Broberg, D (RFA) Calle Rosen, D (COL) Radek Faksa, C (DAL) Sammy Blais, LW (VAN – PTO) Pierre-Olivier Joseph, D (UFA) Jakub Vrana, LW (WSH – PTO) Ryan Suter, D (UFA)   Min 87 6th Yakov Trenin, RW Alex Goligoski, D (retired) Jakub Lauko, LW Mason Shaw, LW (WPG) Graeme Clarke, RW Vinni Lettieri, RW (BOS) Travis Boyd, C Dakota Mermis, D (TOR) Devin Shore, C Jake Lucchini, C (NSH) Utah 77 7th John Marino JJ Moser Mikhail Sergachaev Conor Geekie     Chi 52 8th  Tyler Bertuzzi, LW Tyler Johnson, C (UFA) Teuvo Teravainen, LW Nikita Zaitsev, D (KHL) Laurent Brossoit, G Taylor Raddysh, RW (Wsh) Alec Martinez, D Rem Pitlick, C (UFA) T.J. Brodie, D Reese Johnson, RW (Min) Ilya Mikheyev, RW Jarred Tinordi, D (UFA) Craig Smith, RW Filip Roos, D (Ott) Patrick Maroon, LW Colin Blackwell, C (Dal)   Jaycob Megna. D (Fla)   MacKenzie Entwistle, RW (Fla)   Crazy Stat -

We're starting think about the season which is only 3 weeks away.  We have a quick, less than thorough review of the Metro division and just provide updates on our lives and talk about the beautiful September weather.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio   Title Player Steve Kasper  News  McDavid sounds positive about re-signing next summer.  https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/season-preview/connor-mcdavid-factors-for-long-term-future-in-edmonton Adam Larsson signs 4 year deal with Kraken Leafs bring in Paccioretty on PTO LeBrun on Stamkos leaving Lightning - https://www.tsn.ca/video/lebrun-on-lightning-moving-on-from-stamkos-i-think-that-one-will-come-back-to-haunt-them%7E2993193 Rookie camps open.   PWHL names / logos released  https://www.thepwhl.com/en/pwhl-unveils-all-six-team-identities-ahead-of-second-season/ Guess the 5th Connections   Last Week - Ryan O'Reilly, Zack Kassian, Jamie Benn, Matt Martin - none of them wear visors This Week: Brendan Bell, Claude Provost, Dana Murzyn, Gaetan Duchesne  Metro Division Preview Last season  Carolina Hurricanes Don Waddell resigned as president and general manager on May 24, 2024. Eric Tulsky was promoted from assistant GM to general manager on June 18, 2024. Columbus Blue Jackets  have $25MM in cap space The Blue Jackets are seeking forward depth and a goalie under new GM Don Waddell. They have the 4th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. New Jersey Devils The Devils have a top-10 selection in the draft for the sixth time in eight years. New York Islanders Patrick Roy replaced Lane Lambert as head coach on January 20, 2024. The Islanders acquired the 20th overall pick and two second-round picks from the Chicago Blackhawks. New York Rangers The Rangers acquired Reilly Smith. They signed Sam Carrick to a 3-year contract. Key departures include Alex Wennberg, Jack Roslovic, Barclay Goodrow, Erik Gustafsson, and Blake Wheeler. Philadelphia Flyers Signed top prospect Matvei Michkov to a 3-year entry-level contract. Re-signed Erik Johnson. Cam Atkinson and Marc Staal departed the team. Pittsburgh Penguins The Penguins traded Reilly Smith to the New York Rangers. While not all teams in the division had major changes, these moves represent some of the key alterations heading into the 2024-25 season. The division appears to be in a state of flux, with some teams rebuilding while others aim to maintain their competitive edge.   Crazy Stat

Johnny Gaudreau was tragically killed with his brother Matthew while riding their bicycles in New Jersey by an alleged drunk driver. Leon Draisaitl signs 8 year contract that will make him the highest paid player in the league. For now.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio   Title Player PK Subban  News Johhny Gaudreau and brother Matthew killed by driver while cycling Leon Draisaitl contract - 8 x $14MM - assuming cap goes up $5MM, wiil be 15%  of cap when it starts max contract is 20% of cap - $17.6MM for this year / $18.7 next year when McDavid signed 2018-19, his was 15.72% of $79.5MM Cap  Seth Jarvis contract with Carolina AAV $7.9 x 8  - unique - cap hit only $7.5/year - 29.4MM signing bonuses - $15.67MM deferred to day after contract expires - cap hit based on present value of $15.67MM (tiime value of money)  - no interest allowed to be given Interesting - nice savings plan for player, but loses out on investment opportunity for 8 years.  Oilers let Broberg and Holloway walk NHL and PA discussing mandating neck guards Nick Robertson still unsigned and wants a trade. Other Unsigned RFAs of note Jeremy Swayman - clear #1 going into season after Ullmark traded Senators - looking for 8 years - $ wiill be interesting  Moritz Seider - seeking 8 years - prob about $8.5 but have to get Raymond signed as well Lukas Raymond - seeking 8 years - prob $7MM  Yzerman notorious hard negotiator but pressure on for results.  Guess the 5th Connections - LAST WEEK - Alex Lafreniere, Eric Lindros, John Tavares, connor Bedard - won world junior gold and tournament MVP? This week?    Big Events this year -  Global Series Oct 4 - Sabres / Devils - Prague, Czechia    Pathers / Stars - Tampere, Finland Winter Classic - Dec 31 - Blackhhawks / Blues at Wrigley Field  5:00pm - switch to New Year's Eve Stadium Series - Blue Jackets / Red Wings at Ohio State March 1 4 nations series - Feb 10-21 - Can, US, Fin, Swe - scared of injury for nothing tourney. Scheduling Matrix Each Division Has Eight Teams Games Within Division 5 teams x 2 home / 2 away (Subtotal 10 home / 10 away) 1 team x 2 home / 1 away (Subtotal 2 home / 1 away) 1 team x 1 home / 2 away (Subtotal 1 home / 2 away)   Games Within Conference (Non-Division) 4 teams x 2 home / 1 away (Subtotal 8 home / 4 away) 4 teams x 1 home / 2 away (Subtotal 4 home / 8 away)   Non-Conference Games 16 teams x 1 home / 1 away (Subtotal 16 home / 16 away) Grand Total – 82 Games 41 home / 41 away   Crazy Stat  Upcoming - division previews with guests. 

The summer got interesting in a hurry with the St. Louis Blues signing Oilers Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to offersheets. How will the Oilers manoeuvre out of this one?      Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio News Blues sign Broberg and Holloway to offersheets. Puts Edmonton in a bad spot.  - Welcome to Edmonton Stan Bowman? Oilers fans / media divided on what to do  1. Sign both, LTIR Kane, trade Ceci 2. Let them go - both an overpay 3. Match Broberg - higher upside, Holloway replaceable 4. March Holloway - Broberg huge overpay, Holloway manageable What effect on rest of team when trying to sign Draisaitl, McDavid, Bouchard Why does this not happen more often?  Would it have happened if Ken Holland were there? Matthews Captain of Leafs Extension watch - Crosby not signed yet - no chance this doesn't happen is there? Draisaitl - sounds like it will happen soon Tavares - also sounds like it will happen   Marek disappears from Sportsnet at draft.   Laine out of player assistance program - requested trade. Waddell gave him permission to speak to other teams Guess the 5th Connections  LAST WEEK - Eddie Shack, Tim Horton, Dom Moore, JIm Vesey  All played for Rangers, Leafs and Sabres  THIS WEEK Alex Lafreniere, Eric Lindros, John Tavares, Connor Bedard Crazy Stat Training camps - Sept 18  Reg season - Oct 4 

We are into the slow days for hockey news, but there's still lots to talk about as we speculate on the Oilers' GM selection and come up with a better name for Utah than what they have figured out.      Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Eddie Shack  News  Oilers GM Search - Seems to be Hunter or Botterill Anthony Meruelo officially out in Arizona Stan Bowman, Joel Quenneille reinstated Dean Evason to coach Blue Jackets  Cup coming to Belleville with Nick Cousens News suggestions via Perplexity Player Movements and Contracts Kuznetsov's Contract Terminated: Evgeny Kuznetsov had his contract terminated by the Carolina Hurricanes. Kuznetsov had one season left on his eight-year deal originally signed with the Washington Capitals in 2017. Joe Pavelski Retires: After 18 seasons in the NHL, Joe Pavelski announced his retirement on July 16, 2024. Krug Out Indefinitely: Torey Krug of the St. Louis Blues is out indefinitely and could miss the season.. Guess the 5th Connections -  Eddie Shack, Tim Horton, Dom Moore, JIm Vesey  Utah Team -  6 finalists  Blizzard Hockey Club Mammoth Outlaws Venom Yeti 1st year will just wear “Utah”  What would you name the team? Crazy Stat

Lots to talk about as we wrap up the Stanley Cup Final with the Florida Panthers defeating the Oilers in Game 7.  Next we quickly discussed the NHL awards before jumping into the draft and then the wild first day of free agency.     Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title player - Doug Crossman - connect to Jeff Skinner Crossman 93-94 Blues Bret Hedican 07-08 Hurricanes Tim Gleason 09-010 Canes with Jeff Skinner News Panthers take cup in 7th game battle McDavid gets Conn Smythe - should he have come out to receive trophy? Other Playoff stories - Stars beat Vegas in rnd 1 after all the “cheating” talk - Injuries key factor Panthers strong all the way through Awards -  Hart - MacKinnon Norris - Hughes Ted Lindsay - MacKinnon Selke -Barkov Adams - Tocchet Calder - Bedard Vezina - Hellebuyck Guess the 5th Connections -  Draft -  Celebrini to Sharks - no surprise - 1st Hobie Baker award winner to go first overall Michael Brandsegg-Nygard - first Norwegian to go in first round - Detroit 15 Only 3 USA players in 1st round and 1st was 12th overall -Zeev Buium Free Agency Stamkos to Predators - 4 x $8MM    Lightning took Guentzel instead for 7 years, $9MM   - thoughts?  Leafs pick up Tanev and Ekmann-Larsson - what do you think?  Oilers pick up Arvidsson, Skinner, and re-sign Perry, Henrique, Janmark  Marchessault and Skjei to Preds as well - Trotz making moves! Bruins - Lindholm and Zadorov  Debrusk to Canucks 7 x $5.5MM Kraken sign Montour 7x$7.14 Crazy Stat  

In a crazy week, the Oilers rebounded from a 3 games to zero deficit to tie the series in game 6 in Edmonton.  Connor McDavid is having a record breaking playoffs and looks to complete the mission on Monday night.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Al Iafrate Feedback = Nora and Doug from Centennial CO STANLEY CUP FINAL Oilers 3 Panthers 3  -  Game 1 - Panthers 3 Oilers 0  Game 2 - Panthers 4 Oilers 1  Game 3 - Panthers 4 Oilers 3  Game 4 - Oilers 8 Panthers 1  Game 5 - Oilers 4 Panthers 3 Game 6 Oilers 5- Panthers 1  Stats Overall 5v5 Oilers outscoring 13-12 but Panthers carrying more of the play  Special teams Oiles 3 GF  1 GA    2 SHG   - Net + 4 on special teams 5v5 SV% - Oilers 89.85  Panthers 88.7%   All sit 89.7 to 86.8 Stories McDavid 42 points - 34 assists beating Gretzky's record  - 4th all time behind Gretzky and Lemieux 8pts in 2 games - record 174 pts ini 99 games  - most since Lemieux had 188 in 95-96  Only Gretxky and Lemieux have had more Bouchard 8th most all time Henrique line - Henrique, Janmark, Brown PK 45/46 in playoffs Knoblach decisions have worked well - moving pplayers in and out. Kept McDavid and Draisaitl apart Wiins 2 and then changes McDavid line by moviig Nuge Kids playing well - Broberg, Bouchard, Halloway, McLeod, Skinner Injuries - Barkov after hit?  Draisaitl - for sure Nurse - TOI reduced drastically Kane - out last 2 games  Guess the 5th Connections  Last episode Bernie Parent, Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby  - Back to back Conn Smythe winners News  Kings trade Dubois to Capitals for Darcy Kuemper - what does Blake have on Brian MacLellan?   Kuemper 3 more years at $5.25 Dubois 7 more years at $8.5 Markstrom to Devils  Markstrom 2 more years - good move for Devils Do they keep Jake Allen? Solid pair probably  Blackhawks trade with Islanders - all picks  Interesting trade  Bylsma in as Kraken coach - not sure if we had that already  Draft coming up! NHL Awards discussion Crazy stat

Connor McDavid puts the team on his shoulders as the Oilers beat out the Dallas Stars to advance to the Stanley Cup Final. Their opponent will be the  Florida Panthers.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Freddy Modin Feedback - Arvids /  News Oilers 4 vs Stars 2 10 shots in final game and still won McDavid goal Skinner bounced back PK 28 in a row - record  - 14 in this series Special teams - Oilers  4PPG / 1 SHG 5v5 - very even series - Dallas 12-11 G / Shots 130-130 FLA 4 vs NYR 2 5v5 Panthers dominant - SF 59%  (164-112) GF 56%  xGF 62.5%  Shesterkin 94% SV  Rangers top line of Trocheck, Lafreniere, Panarin - Shots 42-26 Goals 4-2 Everyone else got destroyed by FLA Tkachuk Rodrigues Bennett - Shot 38-10  Goals 3-1 Minnesota wins first PWHL Walter Cup Don Waddel to Columbus Tulsky interim GM in Carolina Guess the 5th  Connections Last Week Bob Gainey Joe Sakic Serge Savard Milt Schmidt  -  This week: Bernie Parent, Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby  STANLEY CUP FINAL EDM v FLA Matchups  Barkov vs McDavid - will be fascinating to watch  Goalies Bobrovsky  .908   vs Skinner .897  Special Teams  EDM PP 37.3%  PK 93.9% FLA PP 23.3% PK 88.2%  D - Florida has more depth - top 3 on both teams very comparable but Oilers fall off Ekblad/Forsling, Montour /Mikkola  Ekholm/ Bouchard, Nurse /Ceci (Kulak)    Crazy Stat  

After a 2 week break, we're back to discuss the Semi-Final matchups which include the OIlers.  PWHL Final. Coaching vacancies are getting filled quickly.     Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Tyler Bozak Feedback -  Playoffs Oilers advance over Canucks - many said Skinner should not return but he came back and has been solid EDM 1 v DAL 1 Missed both games Oilers continue to get leads and let opposition come back Oilers looking for some calls Oilers carrying play in possession stats 5 v 5 goals are even, Dallas only PP goal.  NYR 2 v FLA 1 At 5v5, Panthers carrying the play - 55% in all fancies.  5v5 Shesterkin stopped 70 of 74 shots / All situations 84/92  Panthers 3 PPG, 1 SAG Rangers 0 PPG Guess the 5th  Connections - Last Episode Larry Robinson, Nick Lidstrom, Brett Hull, Larry Murphy - Dale gives the answer This week - Bob Gainey Joe Sakic Serge Savard Milt Schmidt  News -  Worlds - Canada loses in bronze medal game as Czechia takes Gold Coaching Confirmations    Berube to TO     Arniel to WPG    Keefe to NJD    Waddel to GM Blue Jackets?   PWHL - Min vs Bos - going to 5th game. Minnesota thought they had won Cup in Double OT but goal disallowed and Boston won after.  Crazy Stat -  DOPeS - Trouba $5k fine for Rodrigues hit https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/new-york-rangers-jacob-trouba-fined-for-elbowing-florida-panthers-evan-rodrigues-1.2126887    

The playoffs continue and everyone is fine that the MO for teams is to go out and injure the opposition, particularly their best players. Mike's had enough and he's looking for change.    Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player: Martin Straka - 460 A - connect to Calvin Pickard Straka - 07-08 Rangers Marc Staal -> 20-21 Red Wings Calvin Pickard Feedback - News Nichuskin suspended 6 months for breech of Stage 3 of substance abuse program - joined program January 2024 Stage 1 - 1st in-patient treatment - no penalty Stage 2 - violate stage 1 -suspended w/o pay during treatment, eligible for reinstatement Stage 3 - violate stage 2 - suspension w/o pay for 6 months then eligible Stage 4 - violate stage 3 - suspension w/o pay for 1 year, reinstatement not guaranteed   Coaching Carousel  - 5 of 32 coaches have been in job 2 or more years Cooper, Bednaur, Sullivan, Brindamour, St. Louis  Since last January, 19 teams have changed coaches Keefe out Bowness retires   PWHL - Playoffs Best of 5 Semi Final  TOR 2 MIN 1     BOS 2 MON 0   Guess the 5th Connections  Last Week - Wayne Gretzky Larry Robinson Mark Messier Patrick Roy - 4 stanley cups - but what else? Larry Robinson, Nick Lidstrom, Brett Hull, Larry Murphy  Playoffs Update Pacific - Canucks 2 Oilers 1 Draisaitl playing through injury - Canucks hammering on him Knoblach playing McDavid with Draisaitl - smart? Skinner not been good enough this series Huge line changes - Pickard starts, Broberg in, Nuge with 97 / 18 Silovs playing great   Central Stars 3 Avs 1 Avs carried play at 5v5  Stars better on special teams Avs given up 2 SH goals and even on special teams Stars +3    Metro - Rangers 3 Hurricanes 2 Canes bounce back after going down 3-0    Atlantic Panthers 3 Bruins 1 Sam Bennett public enemy #1 Marchand punch / concussion Allowed goal that Bruins challenged for goaltender interference   Crazy Stat   DOPeS Soucy 1 game for McDavid cross check after game Zadorov - $5k parking ticket  

The rainy day mirrored Dale's mood as we discussed the Leafs' heartbreaking game 7 loss to the Bruins. The Oilers move past the Kings in 5, but were they as good as the results?  What's next for the teams that lost and who will win the next round?    Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player  Ron Stackhouse  Series Updates EAST BOS 4 TOR 3 Gut wrenching loss Injuries brutal for Leafs - Woll, Matthews, Marner, Nylander  All the same storylines - will anyone be moved?  NYR 4 WAS 0  No surprise really.   CAR 4 NYI 1 Islanders are interesting - mediocrity defined Will Lamoriello stick around? Will they bring in someone as a successor?  FLA 4 TBL 1 Florida overwhelmed TBL Possession stats much better Goaltending big story TBL - wiil Stamkos stay? Milt Schmidt? Guess the 5th  Connections  Last Week - Dallas, Columbus, Minnesota, Washington  - all have stars in their logos This week  Wayne Gretzky, Larry Robinson, Mark Messier, Patrick Roy WEST Oilers 4 Kings 1 McDavid - 11 Assists Skinner strong Favourable calls by refs - what is going on? All power play 45% 9 G in 5 games!- were not impressive at 5v5 5v5 - GF 50% and xGF favoured Kings Pierre-Luc Dubois - $8.5MM through 2030-31  - good luck buying that out.  Questions about moves at GM?  Thoughts?  COL 4 WPG 1 Jets - Bowness back? any changes? VAN 4 NSH 2 All Canadian quarter final Arturs Silovs - comes in from out of nowhere and plays .938 SV% and a shutout in Game 6.  Tight series - Total goals 13-12 for Canucks 5v5 Total Goals 8-7  NSH - exceeded expectations VGK 3 v DAL 3 Game 7 - go STARS  Crazy Stat ROUND 2 Matchups -  VAN v EDM  Dale EDM 5  Mike EDM 6 COL v ?  Dale DAL 7  Mike COL 6 FLA v BOS  Dale FLA 6  Mike FLA 6 CAR v NYR  Dale CAR 7 Mike NYR 6  DOPeS - took the playoffs off - have set an out of office message that says “Player X has been fined for actions in Team X game.”  

Dale tells stories about Korea and regrets some of his predictions as we review each series and the storylines.  Will the Leafs bounce back from 3-1? What is going on with Connor Hellebuyck?    Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Sami Kapanen - Kapanen - 06-07 Flyers Scottie Upshall -> 11-12 Panthers Shawn Mattias -> 15-16 Leafs Hyman  News Playoff Summary  FLA 3 TBL 1    Mike - FLA (6)  Dale TBL (7) Florida carrying play - 3 FLA wins were tight games  Will Lightning go out this easy?  BOS 3 TOR 1  Mike TOR (7) Dale TOR (6) PP  Goals Bruins - 6  Leafs 1  5v5 Leafs have better stats - Shots 92-76, xGF 54%  Leafs were 2nd in Goals scored in reg season - 3.69/G   Leafs have to bounce back - don't they? If not, is Keefe gone? What players?  CAR 3 NYI 1  Mike CAR (5)  Dale NYI (4)   Carolina better stats but every game very tight - all one goal games if take away empty net goals Hearing Brindamour in trouble if Hurricanes don't have a big playoff NYR 3 WAS 0  Mike NYR (4)  Dale WSH (7)  Results not surprising but stats a bit surprising WAS outshooting, out chancing at 5v5  NYR - 2 SH Goals  Game 2 - 4 PP goals and 1 SH  VGK 2 DAL 1 Mike DAL (5) Dale DAL (5)  Dallas been much better stats-wise. Out scoring at 5v5 6-4 but down in series.  Should be able to come back EDM 2 LAK 1 Mike EDM (6) Dale EDM (7)  Edmonton have been better team but let foot off gas in game 2. Relying too heavily on Power Play  COL 2 WPG 1  Mike WPG (7) Dale WPG (6) Hellebuyck hasn't been stellar - 15G in 3 games Avs taking it to them stats wise - unless Hellebuyck can turn it around, Jets will go out quickly  VAN 2 NAS 1  Mike VAN (6) Dale Van (4)  Very tight series - Canucks scraping by - can they survive wiithout Demko?  Guesss the 5th   Connections - Last episode - Joe Nieuwendyk, Mike Keane, Claude Lemieux Mark Recchi THIS WEEK - Dallas, Columbus, Minnesota, Washington  Arizona moving - Dale's thoughts Lindy Ruff - back to Buffalo Crazy Stat  DOPeS - nothing to report but should Rempe hit have been reviewed? 2 min for interference - van Reimsdyk injured  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JP9PSS_pjQ

Find out who will win this year's Stanley Cup by listening to this episode. With Dale in Korea, Mike goes solo and reviews both of our brackets. Also, the Coyotes finally give up the ghost and move to Utah.    Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Wade Redden News Arizona moves to Utah $1.2B  To Ryan Smith - $200M to owners, for relocation Name - Stormin' Mormons? Utah takes over all hockey ops and Meruelo maintains business operations in Arizona in attempt to get arena built and get an expansion franchise Meruelo has 5 years to get this done or his provision expires Impact of Marty Walsh to force NHL's hand?  Playoffs Preview / Predictions Leafs vs Bruins Islanders vs Hurricanes Lightning vs Panthers Capitals vs Rangers Jets vs Avalanche Canucks vs Predators Stars vs Knights Oilers vs Kings  

CEO of one of our favourite websites eliteprospects.com Peter Sibner joins us to discuss the lead up to the playoffs and who to watch for.  It was a fun conversation and Peter gave us some great insights.    Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Players Wayne Merrick and Pierre Mondou Feedback Arvids - What 2 Latvians to win cup in last 30 years.  Interview: Peter Sibner - Elite Prospects President ESMG, North America Guess the 5th Connections - Last week: Rick Nash, Corey Stillman, Justin Braun, Riley Stillman, This week: What connects Joe Nieuwendyk, Mike Keane, Claude Lemieux and Mark Recchi Playoff Races West is done - just a matter of whether Oilers play VGK or LAK Flyers fall out in tight race in East Hot/Not -  Atlantic - TBL 7-2-1 / FLA - Panthers limping in while Lightning ramping up - BOS/TBL will be tough Metro - NYR 8-2-0 / PHI - 2-5-3 Central - DAL 9-1-0 / WPG  4-5-1 -  Pacific - LAK 7-3-0 / CGY 2-8-0  - Flames are tough to figure.   Sharks - -136 goal diff    Worst in history   74-75 Capitals - -265 93-94 Sens - -196 92-93 Sharks -196 72-73 Isles - -177 75-76 Caps - 170  Will probably end up around -145  - 73-74 golden Seals area Crazy Stat DOPeS - Hartman 3 games for throwing stick on ice after OT loss. https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/minnesota-wild-ryan-hartman-suspended-three-games Interesting in comparison with Guehle 1 gamer 

As the season winds down, players are hitting big milestones. Zack Hyman and Sam Reinhart hit 50G, Matthews hits 60G and McDavid tops 120 pts for 3rd straight year. We look at the playoff races and there is a new edition of Connections for listeners.    Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Jerry Korab -> Zack Hyman Korab 83-84 Sabres Dave Andreychuk -> 05-06 Lightning Paul Ranger -> 13-14 Leafs Nazem Kadri -> 2015-16 Leafs Hyman News Wild pull goalie in OT again but lose Milestone watches McDavid - 95 Assists - going to hit 100 If he stays on pace will get to 110, 4 short of Mario's best at 114  Gretzky's record - 163! 3rd 120pt season in a row. 1st since Gretzky. He did it 13 times in a row - would have had 14 or 15 - thanks Gary Suter Jonathan Quick - most wins for US goalie - 392 - passed Ryan Miller Art Ross MacKinnon 127 Kucherov 126 McDavid 125 Rocket Richard Matthews - 60G  Reinhart and Hyman hit 50  MacKinnon and Pastrnak - 45  Rookies -  Bedard 21-35-56  in 59 GP Marco Rossi MIN - 20 G Tyson Foerster PHI - 19G  Goalies Going to hit 60GP  Saros 58 GP  Georgieve 57 GP Hellebuyck 54 GP Skinner 53 GP  Andrew Berkshire on Twitter about Zack Hyman hitting 50 https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/analyst-gets-absolutely-roasted-for-insanely-rich-take-on-hyman Guess the 5th Connections - Last week - Staal, Poddubny, Delvecchio, Fogolin - Solution: All From Thunder Bay  This Week - Cory Stillman, Justin Braun, Rick Nash, Riley Stillman  Playoff Picture Teams Clinched this week: Boston, Florida, Carolina, New York Rangers, Dallas, Vancouver Wild Card Races  Hot/Not Atlantic TBL 8-1-1 / DET  3-5-2 Metro CAR  8-1-1 / NYI 2-7-1 Central COL 8-1-1 / WPG 3-6-1  Pacific VGK,EDM 7-2-1 / ANA, SJS 1-8-1  Crazy Stat DOPeS  Guhle - 1 game from slashing from the bench - not a hard slash but a bit surprised they didn't come down harder on him for this

The NHL GMs met this week and have provided some ideas for rule changes. Zach Hyman is getting close to 50 goals and Connor McDavid could well hit 100 Assists.  We also have a look at the playoff races.   Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio     Title Player Curtis Joseph - 454 Wins  Feedback  Trent Buhler - @oldtimetablehockey on Insta - Makes incredible diaoramas of hockey scenes News Chris Simon dies by suicide at 52 Marner injury -  Leafs messed this up - why not have it happen before deadline and leave him out until playoffs. High ankle sprain - trouble? Bettman statement on Chris Simon https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/bettman-responds-to-simons-tragic-passing-after-his-family-blame~2888770 Board of Governor's Meetings LTIR - not on agenda but discussed, Daly asked Exec oommittee to come back if they believe change neededf Rule changes -  Can't sit with leg over board for line change If goalie removed by concussion spotter, spare goalie gets warm up Coach challenge - can challenge any high stick - before had to be double minor or major Coach challenge - puck over glass - challenge if deflected - need to get right because if wrong go 2 men down Reviewed 3 on 3 but are content Zach Hyman at 48 goals  McDavid 14 Assists away from 100 with 15 games to go.  Been done 13 times, by 3 players.  Matthews 5 point game 57 G with 14 to play - prob not going to make 70, what do you think he will hit? Will teams “load manage” players heading to end of season? Guess the 5th Connections - Last week - Johnson, Gelinas, Tardif, Carson - all part of Gretzky trade Alex Delvecchio, Eric Staal, Walt Poddubny, Lee Fogolin Playoff races Washington on fire - could catch Philly - Tortorella healthy scratches Couurier?  Philly not likely to get caught by Isles or Devils.  St Louis, Minnesota chasing Nashville, Vegas , LA  Hot / Not Atlantic - TBL 7-2-1 / DET 3-7-0  Metroo - CAR 8-1-1 / PIT 3-6-1  Central - COL 9-1-0 / CHI 4-6-0  Pacific - EDM 7-1-2 / SJS 1-8-1  DOPeS - Tom Wilson attempts decaptiation - 6 games  https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/washington-capitals-forward-tom-wilson-suspended-6-games-for-high-sticking Is it enough?   Kulikov 2 games check to head https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/panthers-dmitry-kulikov-suspended-two-games-for-illegal-check-to-head 

Dale and Mike return from sun vacations to breakdown and discuss the big trade deadline deals and then look to the playoff races. Have the Oilers and Leafs done enough? Also, the DOPeS have been busy and we ask - did they create this mess?     Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Banter -Vacations Title Player Charlie Huddy  News  Trade Deadline  Biggest Stories Vegas - Huge haul Tomas Hertl, 2025 3rd, 2027 3rd for David Edstrom, 2025 1st rnd pick  - SJS retains $1.3875 Noah Hanifin, - 3 way deal with CGY, PHI - Hanifin cap hit ends at $1.2375 -  Anthony Mantha  from WSH for 2024 2nd, 2026 4th  Conveniently Mark Stone $9.5MM on LTIR out - will he be back for playoffs? Friedge says SJS NOW fully rebuilding?????   Leafs quiet  -Joel Edmundson for 2024 3rd, 2025 5th  $875 retained Oilers - Adam Henrique, Sam Carrick from Ducks for 2024 1st, 2025 5th, 2025 4th - 3 way with TB to retain salary Troy Stecher from AZ for 2027 4th  Solid pick ups    Carolina  Kuznetsov from Washington for 2025 3rd - Kuz had been in minors  Guentzel from Pitt for Bunting, 3 AHL players, 2024 2nd, 2024 5th  Dubas getting picks to do a rebuild  Sabres / Avalanche - Byram for Middlestadt - was surprised Coyotes Arena - Coyotes to bid on land in North Phoenix - auction starts at 68.5 milliion.  Has to be the last chance. - Auction in 10 weeks Tortorella - gets ejected and initially won't leave bench Fun full explanation here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqdGemIZbA8   2 games and $25,000 fine Crosby moving? - seems to be lots of speculation all of a sudden Wild Pull goalie in OT and win - if they lost, would lose OT point - did you know that?    Guess the 5th  Connections - previous -Gretzky, Ovechkin, Lemieux, Hull  Hot / Not  - Full Standings with Current playoff positions  Atlantic - FLA 8-2-0 / DET 3-7-0 Metro - NYR,CAR 6-3-1 / PIT 3-6-1  EAST Wildcard  Race  Central - NSH 8-0-2 / CHI 3-5-2  Pacific - EDM 7-2-1 / SJS 1-7-2 - Vegas 3-6-1  West Wildcard Point of year when bad teams get REALLY bad - but no one is tanking ANA 3-7-0 SJS 1-7-2 CHI 3-5-2 OTT 3-6-1  Crazy Stat DOPeS Matt Rempe 4 games - https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/rangers-rempe-suspended-four-games-for-elbowing-devils-siegenthaler   Parker Kelly 2 games https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/parker-kelly-of-ottawa-senators-suspended-two-games-by-player-safety   Pospisil 3 games - https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/flames-martin-pospisil-suspended-three-games-for-boarding   Lots of dirty stuff going on - is league clamping down or are players playing on edge because of lack of consistencies

Auston Matthews passes 50 goals and on pace for 75. Are the Vancouver Canucks for real?  We assess it in our Team of the Week segment.     Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Derek Sanderson - Connect to Jaromir Jagr News Matthews past 50! On pace for 75 - truly remarkable Jagr sweater retirement - came out for the warmup  Kekalainen fired - finally - 410-362-97 record in 869 11 years Jackets 18-28-10 this year - last in Metro, 29th in league Tilman Fertitta - owner of Houston Rockets is in talks to get an NHL franchise.   Are Jets in trouble?  Trade deadline looming -  Guess the 5th Connections - What do Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Brett Hull and Alexander Ovechkin have in common? Team of the Week - Vancouver Canucks -    82 PTS (1) .683 PTS % (4) GF% 59.44 (2)  SF% 49.15 (19th) xGF 51.04 (13th)  SH% 11.69 (1)  SV% 92.29 (7)  PDO 1.04  PP 22.8 (11)  PK 78.95 (19)  Points JT Miller 29 - 50 - 79 E Pettersson 29-45-74 Hughes 12-58-70 Boeser 33-27-60  Goalies Demko 44 GP .917  GSAA 17.3 (2)  DeSmith 17 GP .894 -4.6    Hot / Not Atlantic FLA, TOR 8-2-0 / MTL 3-6-1 - Florida pouring it on Metropolitan NYR 9-10 / NYI 3-4-3 Central - MIN 6-3-1 / ARI 0-9-1  Pacific - LAK 6-3-1 / 4-5-1  A lot of middling performances  Crazy Stat DOPes Rielly ended up with 5 games - Leafs appeal, Bettman upholds  

Dale is away but Mike has a great chat with Al Mitchell from Sports 1440 Radio in Edmonton. We discuss the state of the Oilers, and the Pacific division. Mike tested Al's draft knowledge in Guess the 5th.    Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio   Title Player Dan Maloney  News Oilers winning streak ends with loss to Vegas - good game, had a playoff feel Al Mitchell from Edmonton Sports 1440  Guess the 5th - Who are the 5 players drafted in 2015 with the most NHL Games Played? Hot / Not  Atlantic DET 7-2-1 / MTL 4-4-2 - worst team at .500  Metro CAR 7-3-0 / NJD, WSH, CBJ 3-6-1  Central DAL 7-2-1 / CHI 2-7-1 Pacific EDM 8-2-0 / SEA 3-6-1    DOPeS - Dillon Jets - 3 games -  Nikita Zadorov - 2 games for hit on Lucas Raymond  Rielly - 6 games? Seemed a lot like Perron

Dale and Mike are thrilled to speak with retired NHL linesman Vaughan Rody. He gave us some great stories and fascinating insights into the life of an NHL official. The All Star Game happened this weekend and it wasn't a complete fiasco, so that's a step forward for the league.    Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Randy Burridge   News Trades: Lindholm to Vancouver Monahan to Winnipeg All Star Game - Skills was an improvement - was fun and interesting and they were actually trying 3 Hours? WAAAAY too long - no need for bands  Does the $1,000,000 prize make it more interesting for fans? PWHL game was fun - skill is impressive -  Draft feedback All Star Skills competition - Steve Mayer - been Chief Content Officer for 7 years and this was most input from player - doesn't speak well of him imo 3 on 3 main event.... meh All Star Announcements - NHL Players in Olympics!! 4 nations faceoff - replaces all star next year World Junior Charges -  All players officially named -  Michael McLeod has 2 charges Dillon Dube Alex Formenton Cal Foote Carter Hart Vaughan Rody Interview - 20 years - 1228 regular season games / 19 playoff games https://nhlofficials.com/nhl-officials/current/vaughan-rody/ - Read the bio - had some serious injuries Connections:  Guess the 5th  Mike watched 1967 Habs vs Leafs on Youtube and was fascinated AT THE ALLSTAR BREAK -  Playoff picture East - by P% wildcard teams are TBL / PHI West - by P% wildcard teams are LAK / STL ATLANTIC - 1st Bos / Last Ottawa Predictions - Leafs / Canadiens  METRO  -  1st NYR / Last CBJ Predictions - Rangers / Flyers CENTRAL - 1st WPG (Pts%) / Last CHI Predictions - Avalanche / Blackhawks - very tight PACIFIC - 1st VAN / Last SJS Predictions - Oilers / Sharks Player Stats -  Kuvherov, MackInnon, Pastrnak, Miller Goalies - league average save % .899!! Swayman, Hellebuyck, Daccord, Demko, Ingram, Jarry Crazy Stat  DOPeS - Trouba 2 games for elbowing https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/new-york-rangers-defenseman-jacob-trouba-suspended                  

We welcome back Jeff from Meat and Potatoes: A Flyers Podcast (formerly Broadstreet Bully Podcast) to give us the update on the Flyers season and the Cutter Gauthier situation. The Oilers run the table in January and extend their winning streak to 16 games.    Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player - Blaine Stoughton -  News Is Oiler streak extended to 16. One away from Penguins record of 17 from 92-93.  World Junior 2018 Team - 5 players are to surrender to police  London Police will have a press conference on Feb 5.  Friedman stressed how they were told to be very careful as anyone linking the players publicly before charges laid would likely be sued Utah - Ryan Smith requests NHL open expansion process Arizona supposed to have plan by end of January - coincidence?  Borje - not great TV but fun to see the story Zach Parise signs with Avalanche after being off all year so far Connections - Congrats to Cody Trafford for the first correct guess on Last Week's contest This week: What do Valtteri Filppula, Pavel Datsyuk, Jonathan Toews, and Mats Naslund have in common? INTERVIEW - JEFF FROM MEAT AND POTATOES: A FLYERS PODCAST  Jeff does a guest version of Guess the 5th What's the Call?  Last week discussed Oilers got 2 min penalty and Kraken 5 min and Oilers received 3 min PP.  Table 15, Rule 19. Example 19.  Table has 32 examples of who serves what in different penalty situations.  Proposed Rule changes - no more coincidental penalties? Why not get rid of the rule?  These charts from Moneypuck.com are pretty cool. https://moneypuck.com/standings.htm DOPeS - Brendan Gallagher hit - 5 games https://www.nhl.com/video/topic/player-safety/gallagher-suspended-five-games-6345655846112 -  William Lockwood - 3 games for hit on Fleury - https://scoutingtherefs.com/2024/01/43464/panthers-lockwood-suspended-for-goaltender-interference-on-wilds-fleury/ Listened to Agent Provocateur episode about a DOPeS Hearing. - kept calling them Department of Player Suspensions. Called it a Kangaroo court.

The Oilers have extended their winning streak to 13 games with wins over Toronto, Calgary and Seattle.   Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio   Title Player Dean McAmmond - Connect to Patrick Roy Feedback - thanks to those who entered guesses in Hockey Connections -  NEWS Oilers win streak - 13 games - will it continue? Cbj,chi,Nash How much credit to Knoblauch, Coffey? Isles fire Lambert, hire Patrick Roy Pinto signs for $775,000, 1 yr Rutherford signs 3 yr extension Matthews with hattrick in win over Calgary - on pace for 71. Leafs needed that win, big performance. After blowing leads in 4 straight, they came back from down 2-0. First look at trade deadline March 8 - Athletic / Daily Faceoff / TSN Elias Lindholm - CGY - seems to be consensus top player available - 2nd line C - UFA Trevor Zegras - ANA - unbelievable with hype around him . 2 more years at $5.75. Varying opinions on whether will be moved. Surgery on ankle and should be ready to play at deadline Chris Tanev - CGY - solid d - UFA at end of year PWHL Update -  GUESS THE FIFTH   CONNECTIONS - WInner Last Week - Nora - Brodeur, Roy, Barrasso, Fuhr - all had 45+ assists THIS WEEK: What do Tony Esposito, Peter Sastny, Ed Belfour and Artemi Panarin have in common? Weekly Topic What's the best city to play in? via www.gavingroup.ca - hockey wealth specialists Top 5 Bottom 5 (Ascending from worst) Notes: 6 Canadian cities in top 10 safety 6 Canadian cities in bottom 8 for climate  Taxes - based on $5,000,000 salary  California/NY Teams - $2.5MM Escrow calulator - enter salary and season  Crazy Stat -  Hot / Not Atlantic DET 7-2-1 / OTT 3-6-1 - Leafs in 3rd by P% but TBL Closing Metro CAR 8-1-1 / NYI 2-6-2 - Rangers 3-6-1 Central WPG 9-1-0 / CHI 3-7-0 Pacific EDM 10-0-0 / ANA, SJS 2-7-1 -LAK 2-5-3 - falling back after good start - McLellan on hot seat  DOPeS - Gourde 2 games https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/player-safety/seattle-kraken-yanni-gourde-suspended-two-games

In a wild week in hockey, William Nylander signed an 8 year, $11.5MM contract keeping him in Toronto for the long term. The Oilers continue their hot streak breaking a team record with a 10 game winning streak. What is the best line in the NHL right now? Ever?     Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player Russ Courtnall - 447 Assists Feedback - Arvids from Latvia  Pat from Detroit  News  Nylander signs for $11.5/season - 13.7% of cap Comparables - McDavid 16.7% (when signed) Auston Matthews - 15.87%  Nathan MacKinnon - 15.27% Big Extensions coming - how does Nylander affect-  Sam Reinhart ($6.5MM)- UFA at end of season Elias Petterson ($7.35MM)- RFA at end of season Leon Draisaitl - ($8.5) 1 more year - can sign July 1    2. Cutter Gauthier traded for Jamie Drysdale  What happened? - - was all in to be drafted by Flyers july 2022 - Totorella already coach -March 2023, Fletcher fired, Briere hired - after season ended (basically same time) Gauthier wanted to finish season with Flyers - shortly after, said he didn't want to be a Flyer   3. Borje series- episodes 1 & 2 review   4. PWHL - Minnesota leads the league 3-0 - seem to be the team to beat Montreal - 2-1 Ottawa 1-0  5. Rumours - Markstrom to Carolina? pure speculation but makes sense - .910 SV%  Calgary have some good players and sounds like they will be sellers Lindholm - UFA Hanifin - UFA Tanev -UFA All Star Sweaters - ugh 6. #81 Linesman - brutal - Ryan Daisy - lined game between Edmonton and Montreal  7. Double digit points streaks - 14 for McDavid - ties Lemieux. Next is Lafleur 15. Gretzky -31   Guess the 5th   Listener Quiz?    Best Line in Hockey Now?  Ever?  via moneypuck.com Goals For GF / 60  GF% Production Line 1947-52 - Detroit - Ted Lindsay, Gordie Howe, Sid Abel - 2 Cups, 3 Art Ross, 1-2-3 in scoring in 1949-50 Nitro line 1967-75 Boston - Phil Esposito, Wayne Cashman, Ken Hodge - 2 Cups, 1-2-4 in scoring in 73-74 (Bobby Orr was 20 Punch Line - 1942-48 Montreal - Elmer Lach, Toe Blake, Maurice Richard - 2 cups, 1-2-3 in scoring in 1944-45 Crazy Stat Hot / Not Atlantic FLA 9-1-0 / MTL 3-5-2 Metro CAR 7-1-2 / CBJ 2-4-4 Central WPG, COL 8-1-1 / CHI, MIN 2-7-1  Pacific EDM 10-0/ SJS 1-9-0  - SEA 9-0-1    DOPeS - heard people saying Cousins leapt into boards to embellish on Zucker hit. Watched again. No chance. 3 games was way too little. Borderline Hunter hitting Turgeon for 20 games. NHL “while Zucker insists this wasn't retribution”. Why say that - there is no chance it wasn't.    

The USA won the World Juniors, defeating the hometown Swedes.  Connor Bedard is out with a broken jaw and the Winnipeg Jets are in first place in league. They are our Team of the Week.    Listen Here:  iTunes  Google Play  Stitcher  Direct MP3   iHeart Radio Title Player  Milan Michalek News Winnipeg in 1st in league in PTS, but Rangers in 1st Pts % Bedard injury - didn't seem bad - should be back - of course Smith had to fight smh https://youtube.com/shorts/avN4I1c4lKU?si=enKFpyF5RDUD025C broken jaw - on IR Borje Series Friedman reporting Nylander deal close - over $10MM - what do you think? World Junior - USA vs Sweden final - fast, excellent hockey   USA wins gold 6-2 Czechia over Finland - 8-5 - Fins were up 5-2. Chechia tied with 2 min left, then lead goal with 1:14.  Oilers - Zach Hyman with 3rd hattrick of season 25 on season continue to roll but fans are a bit too comfortable. After going 14-3 in last 17, still only 22nd in league in Pts % Talking like they could win all 11 games in Jan - really? Norris talk for Bouchard - really?  Is he even better than Ekholm?  Leafs - talk seems negative, but 19-10-7 despite injuries.  PWHL - will you pick a favourite team?  Toronto pays back NY with a win - new rule comes into play as game winner was shorthanded Have to think Montreal is favourite with Poulin and Desbiens All games on Sportsnet, TSN or CBC. Also on Youtube. Americans can watch on different regional networks. All Star Game - first 32 players announced TOR - Matthews CHI- Bedard EDM - McDavid LAK - Cam Talbot! WSH - Tom Wilson Guess the 5th Team of the Week Winnipeg Jets -  First and foremost - change to third uniforms - red pants 5v5 stats SF% 52.6 (6)  GF% 62.7 (1)  xGF% 51.7 (11) SH% 9/14 SV% 93.99 (1) All Sit  SF% 51.5 (11) GF% 58.06 (3) xGF% 50.83 (15) SH% 10.7 (10) SV% 91.78 (1)  Top Scorers Scheiffele  12-26-38 Morrissey 6-24-30 Ehlers 13-16-29 Kyle Connor still out for a while Goaltending - Hellebuyck - ,921 SV%  GSAA 14.9 (1)  Brossoit - .920 GSAA 5 Summary Goaltending, BUT given Brossoit's numbers, playing to system has to be huge GF% a bit high based on performance so will cool off some, but as long as goalies keep it up, will be fine Crazy Stat Hot / Not  Atlantic FLA 8-2-0 / OTT 3-7-0  Metro CAR 6-1-3/ CBJ  3-3-4  Central WPG 8-0-2 / CHI 2-7-1  Pacific SEA 8-0-2 / SJS 0-10-0 (wow) Joey Daccord playing great VGK - 3-7-0 - slumping DOPeS -  Hartman fine - high sticks Perfetti - mic'd up and admitted it - gets a parking ticket Can't use mic'd up content in discipline  Botteril and Mayers argument  Zucker - 3 games https://www.nhl.com/news/arizona-coyotes-jason-zucker-suspended-three-games